EP3091423A1 - Position indicating module and stylus pen - Google Patents
Position indicating module and stylus pen Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3091423A1 EP3091423A1 EP14875310.6A EP14875310A EP3091423A1 EP 3091423 A1 EP3091423 A1 EP 3091423A1 EP 14875310 A EP14875310 A EP 14875310A EP 3091423 A1 EP3091423 A1 EP 3091423A1
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- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- electrode
- core body
- terminal
- core
- conductive
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
- G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
- G06F3/033—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor
- G06F3/038—Control and interface arrangements therefor, e.g. drivers or device-embedded control circuitry
- G06F3/0383—Signal control means within the pointing device
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
- G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
- G06F3/033—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor
- G06F3/0354—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor with detection of 2D relative movements between the device, or an operating part thereof, and a plane or surface, e.g. 2D mice, trackballs, pens or pucks
- G06F3/03545—Pens or stylus
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a position indicating module and a stylus pen that are used to input an indicated position on a tablet.
- a position indicator having a coil or an electrode provided in a position indicating portion to obtain a coordinate position on a tablet in Patent Document 1 ( Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-164356 ).
- a position indicator capable of detecting a pen pressure with high accuracy and providing very good operability is realized which includes a variable capacitance capacitor that changes in capacitance according to the pen pressure, and which converts the pen pressure into a digital value and transmits the digital value.
- Patent Document 2 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1993-275283
- Patent Document 3 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2011-186803
- variable capacitance capacitors using a dielectric as the variable capacitance capacitor that changes in capacitance according to the pen pressure.
- Patent Document 1 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1994-250772
- Patent Document 5 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1995-295722
- electrostatic stylus pens disclose electrostatic stylus pens.
- a variable capacitance capacitor as described in Patent Document 2 or Patent Document 3 has a pen core slightly displaced according to a pen pressure.
- a connecting part affects pen pressure detection, thus presenting problems such as a degradation in pen pressure detection characteristics, inability to perform input by a light load, and the like.
- problems such as a degradation in pen pressure detection characteristics, inability to perform input by a light load, and the like.
- the present invention presents a solution to the above-described problems, and proposes an electrostatic stylus pen capable of detecting a change in a pen pressure applied by a light touch with high accuracy, and a position indicating module used in the electrostatic stylus pen.
- the present invention proposes an electrostatic stylus pen from which a pen core including an electrode is detachable.
- the present invention proposes
- an electrostatic stylus pen that can facilitate replacement of a pen core and which can detect a change in a pen pressure applied by a light touch with high accuracy.
- FIG. 1 is a structural diagram (central sectional view) of an example of a position indicating module according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
- reference numeral 11 denotes a dielectric substantially in the shape of a disk
- reference numeral 12 denotes a first electrode disposed on a first surface of the dielectric
- reference numeral 13 denotes a second electrode formed of a flexible material.
- the second electrode 13 is disposed on the side of a second surface of the dielectric 11 which second surface is opposed to the first surface of the dielectric 11 with a ring-shaped spacer 14 interposed between the second electrode 13 and the second surface.
- a conductive rubber for example, can be used as the second electrode 13, or a material obtained by depositing a conductive substance on one surface of a polyimide film may be used as the second electrode 13.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view when the dielectric 11, the spacer 14, and the second electrode 13 are each disassembled and arranged. At least the side of a surface 13a of the second electrode 13 which surface is in contact with the spacer 14 has conductivity. The conductive surface is provided with a projecting portion 13b.
- reference numeral 15 denotes a first terminal molded of a metal.
- the first terminal 15 is electrically connected to the first electrode 12 on the dielectric 11.
- Reference numeral 16 denotes a second terminal molded of a metal.
- the second terminal 16 is electrically connected to the second electrode 13.
- FIG. 3 shows external appearances of the first terminal 15 and the second terminal 16.
- the first terminal 15 is provided with a flat part 15a connected to the first electrode 12.
- the second terminal 16 is provided with a flat part 16a connected to the projecting portion 13b of the second electrode 13.
- reference numeral 17 denotes a pen core substantially in the shape of a rod, the pen core in the present example being formed of a nonconductor material, for example a resin. In the present example, only the pen core 17 constitutes a core body portion.
- a third electrode 18 is embedded in a tip 17a of the pen core 17.
- Reference numeral 19 denotes a spring formed of a conductive material.
- the spring in the present example is a coil spring.
- FIG. 4 shows an external appearance of the coil spring.
- An elastic winding portion 19a and a third terminal 19b extending straight are provided.
- Reference numeral 20 denotes a core body holder formed of a conductive material.
- the core body holder 20 has such a shape as to be precisely fitted into the winding portion 19a of the coil spring 19.
- the coil spring 19 is in contact with and electrically connected to the core body holder 20 by a projecting portion 20a projecting in the shape of a flange from an outer circumferential surface of the core body holder 20.
- the core body holder 20 is provided with a hole into which to insert and fit the connecting end 17b of the pen core 17.
- the connecting end 17b of the pen core 17 is press-fitted into the core body holder 20, whereby the core body holder 20 is electrically connected to the connecting end 17b.
- Reference numeral 21 denotes a pressing body molded of a plastic.
- One end of the pressing body 21 has a rounded cylindrical shape, and another end of the pressing body 21 has a flat shape.
- the flat-shaped other end side of the pressing body 21 is bonded to the core body holder 20.
- the rounded one end side of the pressing body 21 is disposed so as to be in precise contact with the second electrode 13.
- An elastic material such as a rubber may be used as the pressing body 21.
- Reference numeral 22 denotes a housing, in which the above-described members of the dielectric 11, the first electrode 12, the second electrode 13, the spacer 14, the first terminal 15, the second terminal 16, the pen core 17 including the third electrode 18, the coil spring 19, the core body holder 20, and the pressing body 21 are united and formed as a position indicating module.
- the housing 22 is disassembled into a plurality of parts not shown in the figures, and is assembled by a method such as press-fitting, bonding, or the like.
- the dielectric 11, the first electrode 12, the second electrode 13, and the spacer 14 constitute a variable capacitance capacitor.
- the variable capacitance capacitor is an example of a configuration of a pen pressure detecting unit.
- the dielectric 11 and the second electrode 13 are not in contact with each other due to the spacer 14.
- the pressing body 21 displaces the second electrode 13, so that the second electrode 13 comes into contact with the second surface of the dielectric 11.
- the area of the contact changes according to the magnitude of the pen pressure applied to the pen core 17.
- a capacitance between the first terminal 15 and the second terminal 16 changes according to the magnitude of the pen pressure applied to the pen core 17.
- the third electrode 18 provided in the pen core 17 is electrically connected to the third terminal 19b via the core body holder 20 and the coil spring 19 irrespective of the presence or absence of a pen pressure.
- the coil spring 19 is used both as a part acting to return the pen core 17 when a pen pressure disappears and as a connecting portion connecting the third terminal and the third electrode 18 to each other.
- the connecting portion connecting the third terminal and the third electrode 18 to each other does not affect pen pressure detection, and a light load can be detected with high accuracy.
- FIG. 5 is a structural diagram (central sectional view) of an example of a position indicating module according to a second embodiment.
- the same configurations as those of the position indicating module according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 are identified by the same reference symbols.
- the second embodiment has many commonalities with the first embodiment. The following description will therefore be made only of parts different from those of FIG. 1 .
- Reference numeral 23 denotes a coil spring formed of a conductive material.
- the coil spring 23 is substantially the same as the coil spring 19 shown in FIG. 4 , the coil spring 19 being used in the first embodiment. However, the coil spring 23 does not have a part corresponding to the terminal 19b, which is a part extending straight. As with the coil spring 19 in the first embodiment, the coil spring 23 is inserted into a core body holder 20, and brought into contact with a projecting portion 20a. The coil spring 23 is thus electrically connected to the core body holder 20.
- Reference numeral 24 denotes a polyimide film.
- FIG. 6 is a developed view of the polyimide film.
- the polyimide film 24 has a shape formed by coupling a ring-shaped part and a linear part to each other.
- a ring-shaped conductive pattern 24a is formed on the ring-shaped part by etching or the like, and a linear conductive pattern 24b is formed on the linear part by etching or the like, such that the conductive pattern 24a and the conductive pattern 24b are continuous with each other.
- the polyimide film 24 is bent at a right angle along a-a' in FIG. 6 .
- the conductive pattern 24a on the ring-shaped part of the polyimide film 24 has a same size as an end surface of the coil spring 23, and is electrically connected to the coil spring 23.
- the conductive pattern 24b on the linear part projects as a third terminal 24b.
- Reference numeral 25 denotes a housing, in which all members are united and formed as a position indicating module as in the first embodiment.
- the housing 25 is disassembled into a plurality of parts not shown in the figures, and is assembled by a method such as press-fitting, bonding, or the like.
- a third electrode 18 is electrically connected to the third terminal 24b via the core body holder 20, the coil spring 23, and the polyimide film 24.
- the coil spring 23 is used both as a part acting to return the pen core 17 when a pen pressure disappears and as a connecting portion for connection from the third terminal 24b to the third electrode 18.
- the connecting portion for connection from the third terminal 24b to the third electrode 18 does not affect pen pressure detection, and a light load can be detected with high accuracy.
- FIG. 7 is a structural diagram (central sectional view) of an example of a position indicating module according to a third embodiment.
- the same configurations as those of the position indicating module according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 are identified by the same reference symbols.
- Reference numeral 11 denotes a dielectric substantially in the shape of a disk.
- Reference numeral 12 denotes a first electrode disposed on a first surface of the dielectric 11.
- Reference numeral 14 denotes a spacer.
- Reference numeral 15 denotes a first terminal molded of a metal. The first terminal 15 is electrically connected to the first electrode 12 on the dielectric 11.
- Reference numeral 16 denotes a second terminal molded of a metal.
- Reference numeral 17 denotes a pen core substantially in the shape of a rod.
- a third electrode 18 is embedded in a tip 17a of the pen core 17.
- a connecting end 17b of the pen core 17 is coated with a conductive substance.
- the connecting end 17b is electrically connected to the third electrode 18 via a conductor 17c provided within the pen core 17.
- Reference numeral 26 denotes a polyimide film.
- FIG. 8 is a developed view of the polyimide film.
- the polyimide film 26 has a shape formed by coupling a substantially circular-shaped part and a linear part to each other.
- a conductive pattern is formed on both surfaces of the polyimide film 26.
- the polyimide film 26 is bent at a right angle along a-a' in FIG. 8 .
- a first surface of the substantially circular-shaped part of the polyimide film 26 which first surface is on the side of the dielectric 11 is provided with a second electrode 26a (indicated by broken lines in FIG. 8 ) formed by depositing a conductive substance.
- the second electrode 26a is electrically connected to the second terminal 16 at a projecting portion 26b on the substantially circular-shaped part.
- a circular conductive pattern 26c is provided at the center of the substantially circular-shaped part.
- a third terminal 26d is provided on an end of the linear part of the second surface of the polyimide film 26.
- the circular conductive pattern 26c and the third terminal 26d are connected to each other by a thin conductive pattern 26e. These patterns are formed by etching or the like.
- Reference numeral 27 denotes a pressing body formed of a conductive elastic material, for example a conductive rubber.
- One end of the pressing body 27 has a rounded cylindrical shape.
- Another end of the pressing body 27 is provided with a hole into which the connecting end 17b of the pen core 17 is press-fitted.
- the shape of a housing 28 to be described later is determined such that the rounded end of the pressing body 27 is in precise contact with the conductive pattern 26c on the polyimide film 26.
- Reference numeral 28 denotes a housing, in which all members are united and formed as a position indicating module as in the first embodiment.
- the housing 28 is disassembled into a plurality of parts not shown in the figures, and is assembled by a method such as press-fitting, bonding, or the like.
- the polyimide film 26 has flexibility, and is therefore in a flat shape in a state in which no pen pressure is applied to the pen core 17.
- the dielectric 11 and the second electrode 26a are in a state of being not in contact with each other due to the spacer 14.
- the pressing body 27 displaces the second electrode 26a, so that the second electrode 26a comes into contact with the dielectric 11.
- the area of the contact between the dielectric 11 and the second electrode 26a changes according to the magnitude of the pen pressure applied to the pen core 17.
- a capacitance between the first terminal 15 and the second terminal 16 changes according to the magnitude of the pen pressure applied to the pen core 17.
- the third electrode 18 provided in the pen core 17 is electrically connected to the third terminal 26d via the pressing body 27 and the conductive pattern 26c on the second surface side of the polyimide film 26.
- the flexibility of the polyimide film 26 and the elasticity of the pressing body 27 always maintain the state in which the pressing body 27 and the conductive pattern 26c on the polyimide film 26 are in contact with each other irrespective of the presence or absence of a pen pressure.
- connection between the second terminal 16 and the second electrode 26a is made by the projecting portion 26b on the polyimide film 26.
- the connection may be made via the first surface of the linear part of the polyimide film 26, and the second terminal may be provided on the back side of the third terminal 26d.
- FIG. 9 is a structural diagram (central sectional view) of an example of a position indicating module according to a fourth embodiment.
- the same configurations as those of the position indicating module according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 are identified by the same reference symbols.
- Reference numeral 11 denotes a dielectric substantially in the shape of a disk.
- Reference numeral 12 denotes a first electrode disposed on a first surface of the dielectric 11.
- Reference numeral 15 denotes a first terminal molded of a metal. The first terminal 15 is electrically connected to the first electrode 12 on the dielectric 11.
- Reference numeral 17 denotes a pen core substantially in the shape of a rod.
- a third electrode 18 is embedded in a tip 17a of the pen core 17.
- a connecting end 17b of the pen core 17 is coated with a conductive substance.
- the connecting end 17b is electrically connected to the third electrode 18 via a conductor 17c provided within the pen core 17.
- Reference numeral 29 denotes a polyimide film.
- FIG. 10 is a developed view of the polyimide film.
- the polyimide film 29 has a shape formed by coupling a circular-shaped part to two linear parts. A conductive pattern is formed on both surfaces of the polyimide film 29.
- the polyimide film 29 is bent at a right angle along each of a-a' and b-b' in FIG. 10 . Description will be made supposing that when the polyimide film 29 is fitted as in FIG. 9 , a surface of the circular-shaped part which surface faces the pen core 17 is a front surface, and a surface of the circular-shaped part which surface faces the dielectric 11 is a back surface.
- FIG. 10 shows, in black, the conductive pattern on the polyimide film 29 as viewed from the front surface, and shows, by dotted lines, the conductive pattern on the back surface of the polyimide film 29.
- a pattern 29a such that three sectors are coupled to each other by a central portion is formed on the front surface of the circular-shaped part as in FIG. 10 .
- a pattern 29b is formed in a position in which the pattern 29a on the front surface is rotated by precisely 60°. Because the sectorial parts of the pattern 29a thus do not overlap the sectorial parts of the pattern 29b, signals applied to the respective patterns 29a and 29b are prevented from affecting each other.
- An end (front surface) of the first linear part of the polyimide film 29 is provided with a third terminal 29d.
- the third terminal 29d is connected to the pattern 29a via a thin pattern 29c formed on the first linear part of the polyimide film 29.
- a second terminal 29f is provided on an end (back surface) of the second linear part of the polyimide film 29.
- the second terminal 29f is connected to the pattern 29b via a thin pattern 29e formed on the second linear part of the polyimide film 29.
- Reference numeral 30 denotes a second electrode formed of a conductive elastic material, for example a conductive rubber.
- the second electrode 30 has substantially a disk shape substantially equal in diameter to the pattern 29b on the polyimide film 29.
- One surface of the second electrode 30 is flat, and another surface of the second electrode 30 is convex.
- the second electrode 30 is bonded to the back surface of the polyimide film 29 by a conductive adhesive, and is thus electrically connected to the pattern 29b.
- Reference numeral 31 denotes a core body holder formed of a conductive material and formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. One end of the core body holder 31 is flat, and another end of the core body holder 31 is provided with a hole in which the connecting end 17b of the pen core 17 is press-fitted. The flat surface of the core body holder 31 is bonded to the front surface of the polyimide film 29 by a conductive adhesive, and is thus electrically connected to the pattern 29a.
- Reference numeral 32 denotes a housing, in which all members are united and formed as a position indicating module as in the first embodiment.
- the housing 32 is disassembled into a plurality of parts not shown in the figures, and is assembled by a method such as press-fitting, bonding, or the like.
- the periphery of the circular portion of the polyimide film 29 is fixed by the housing 28 from both of the front surface and the back surface.
- the back surface side of the polyimide film 29 is held down by a part 32a that comes into circular line contact with the vicinity of the periphery. This is intended to facilitate displacement of the polyimide film 29 when a pen pressure is applied to the pen core 17.
- Dimensions of the housing 32 are determined such that a small clearance is left between the second electrode 30 and the dielectric 11 when no pen pressure is applied to the pen core 17.
- the area of contact between the second electrode 30 and the dielectric 11 changes according to the pen pressure applied to the pen core 17.
- the third electrode 18 is connected to the third terminal 29b via the core body holder 31 and the pattern 29a on the polyimide film 29 irrespective of the presence or absence of a pen pressure.
- FIG. 11 is a structural diagram (central sectional view) of an example of a position indicating module according to a fifth embodiment.
- the same configurations as those of the position indicating module according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 are identified by the same reference symbols.
- Reference numeral 11 denotes a dielectric substantially in the shape of a disk.
- Reference numeral 12 denotes a first electrode disposed on a first surface of the dielectric 11.
- Reference numeral 15 denotes a first terminal molded of a metal. The first terminal 15 is electrically connected to the first electrode 12 on the dielectric 11.
- Reference numeral 18 denotes a third electrode.
- reference numeral 33 denotes a pen core substantially in the shape of a rod.
- the pen core 33 is substantially the same as the pen core 17 of the position indicating module according to the first embodiment.
- only the pen core 33 constitutes a core body portion.
- the third electrode 18 is embedded in a tip 33a of the pen core 33.
- An end surface of a connecting end 33b of the pen core 33 which connecting end is on an opposite side from the tip 33a is coated with a conductive substance.
- the connecting end 33b is electrically connected to the third electrode 18 via a conductor 33c provided within the pen core 33.
- Reference numeral 34 denotes a core body holder molded of a plastic.
- FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the shape of the core body holder 34.
- Two circular press-fitting portions 34a and 34b are formed in the core body holder 34.
- the connecting end 33b of the pen core 33 is press-fitted into the press-fitting portion 34a.
- a second electrode 35 to be described later is press-fitted into the press-fitting portion 34b.
- a slit 34c is provided to the outer circumference of the press-fitting portion 34a.
- a projecting portion 34d is provided in the outer circumferential direction of the slit 34c.
- a bottom portion of the press-fitting portion 34a, a bottom portion of the slit 34c, and the projecting portion 34d form an identical plane for disposing a polyimide film 36 to be described later.
- a slit 34e is also provided to the outer circumference of the press-fitting portion 34b.
- Reference numeral 36 denotes a polyimide film.
- FIG. 13 is a developed view of the polyimide film.
- a conductive pattern represented by a black part in FIG. 13 is formed on one surface of the polyimide film 36 by etching or the like.
- a connecting portion 36a is formed as a conductive pattern on a circular-shaped part on one end side of the polyimide film 36.
- a third terminal 36b is formed as a conductive pattern on a rectangular part on another end side.
- the connecting portion 36a and the third terminal 36b are electrically connected to each other by a linear pattern 36c on a thin and flexible part of the polyimide film 36.
- a part of the thin and flexible part of the polyimide film 36 on which thin and flexible part the linear pattern 36c is formed is a slightly wider part 36d, as shown in FIG. 13 .
- the circular-shaped part of the connecting portion 36a of the polyimide film 36 is bonded to the bottom portion of the press-fitting portion 34a of the core body holder 34.
- the thin and flexible part on which the linear pattern 36c is formed is fitted so as to extend to the projecting portion 34d through the slit 34c of the core body holder 34.
- the connecting end 33b of the pen core 33 is press-fitted into the press-fitting portion 34a of the core body holder 34, whereby the third electrode 18 and the third terminal 36b are electrically connected to each other.
- the polyimide film 36 is bonded and fixed to the periphery of a housing 38 to be described later by the wide part 36d shown in FIG. 13 .
- a conductive material having elasticity may be interposed between the connecting end 33b of the pen core 33 and the connecting portion 36a on the polyimide film 36 in order to ensure connection between the connecting end 33b of the pen core 33 and the connecting portion 36a on the polyimide film 36.
- Reference numeral 37 denotes a coil spring formed of a conductive material. An external appearance of the coil spring 37 is shown in FIG. 14 .
- the coil spring 37 includes an elastic winding portion 37a and a second terminal 37b extending straight, and includes a connecting portion 37c extending to the inside of the winding portion 37a.
- the coil spring 37 is fitted to the core body holder 34 such that the connecting portion 37c passes through the slit 34e.
- Reference numeral 35 denotes a second electrode formed of a conductive elastic material, for example a conductive rubber, and formed in a cylindrical shape. One end of the second electrode 35 has a rounded dome shape. Another end of the second electrode 35 is press-fitted into the press-fitting portion 34b of the core body holder 34. Press-fitting the second electrode 35 into the press-fitting portion 34b of the core body holder 34 connects the second electrode 35 to the connecting portion 37c of the coil spring 37. The second electrode 35 is thus electrically connected to the second terminal 37b.
- Reference numeral 38 denotes a housing, in which all members are united and formed as a position indicating module as in the foregoing embodiments.
- the housing 38 is disassembled into a plurality of parts not shown in the figures, and is assembled by a method such as press-fitting, bonding, or the like.
- dimensions of the housing 38 are determined such that a small clearance is left between the dome shape portion of the second electrode 35 and the dielectric 11 when no pen pressure is applied to the pen core 33.
- the dielectric 11 and the second electrode 35 are not in contact with each other.
- the second electrode 35 comes into contact with the dielectric 11. Because the second electrode 35 has elasticity, the area of the contact changes according to the magnitude of the pen pressure applied to the pen core 33.
- the flexible part on which the linear conductor pattern 36c extending from the connecting portion 36a on the polyimide film 36 is formed is in a direction at a right angle to the direction of displacement of the pen core 33.
- the elastic force of the polyimide film 36 itself against the displacement direction is very much smaller than the elastic force of the coil spring 37.
- the polyimide film 36 therefore hardly hinders the displacement of the pen core 33.
- FIG. 15 is a structural diagram (central sectional view) of a modification of the position indicating module according to the fifth embodiment.
- the same configurations as those of the position indicating module according to the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 11 are identified by the same reference symbols.
- This first modification of the fifth embodiment is an example that remedies a problem that the thin and flexible part of the polyimide film 36 may come away from the housing 38 and become loose, as shown in FIG. 11 , because of the presence of the projecting portion 34d of the press-fitting portion 34a in the above-described fifth embodiment.
- a core body holder 34' is used in the first modification of the fifth embodiment.
- FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the shape of the core body holder 34'.
- a slit 34c' does not have the projecting portion 34d of the core body holder 34 in the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 12 .
- a bottom portion of the slit 34c' is formed so as to be deeper than a bottom portion of a press-fitting portion 34a, so that a bent portion of a thin and flexible part of a polyimide film 36 is housed within the slit 34c'.
- the thin and flexible part of the polyimide film 36 is in close contact with the side surface of a housing 38.
- an uneven portion 34f is formed on the press-fitting portion 34a of the core body holder 34'.
- An uneven portion 33d having a corresponding shape is formed in a part corresponding to the uneven portion 34f of the press-fitting portion 34a on a connecting end 33b side of a pen core 33.
- the fitting of the uneven portion 34f and the uneven portion 33d to each other locks the pen core 33, and thus prevents the pen core 33 from being easily detached from the core body holder 34'.
- the uneven portion 33d is released from the uneven portion 34f by extracting the pen core 33 with a predetermined force.
- one electrode 18 is embedded as the third electrode in the tip 33a of the pen core 33.
- the applicant has proposed an invention that makes it possible to detect an inclination of an axial direction of a stylus pen and an angle of rotation with a direction perpendicular to a tablet surface as an axis in a position detecting device by providing a plurality of electrodes in a pen core. Details of a configuration and operation for detecting an inclination of an axial direction of a stylus pen and an angle of rotation with a direction perpendicular to a tablet surface as an axis are described in detail in a previous application ( Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-176102 ), and therefore description thereof will be omitted in the following.
- This second modification of the fifth embodiment represents a case where a pen core provided with a plurality of electrodes is used as a pen core as in the previous application.
- FIG. 17 is a diagram of assistance in explaining a configuration of a pen core 330 in the second modification of the fifth embodiment.
- FIG. 17(A) is a perspective view of the pen core 330.
- FIG. 17(B) is a sectional view of the pen core 330 sectioned along A-A in FIG. 17(A).
- FIG. 17(C) is a diagram showing the shape of an end surface of a connecting end 330b of the pen core 330 which connecting end is on an opposite side from a tip 330a of the pen core 330.
- the pen core 330 in the present example has substantially a rod shape, and includes three electrodes 331, 332, and 333 as a third electrode.
- the three electrodes 331, 332, and 333 are formed in a state of being not electrically connected to each other in an axial direction extending from the tip 330a to the connecting end 330b.
- Parts of the three electrodes 331, 332, and 333 which parts are exposed at the connecting end 330b of the pen core 330 are formed so as to swell out to the outside as shown in FIG. 17(C) in order to be able to ensure connection of the parts to a polyimide film 360 to be described later.
- the polyimide film 360 according to the second modification of the fifth embodiment is formed as shown in FIG. 18(A) .
- a circular-shaped part on one end side of the polyimide film 360 is a connecting portion 360a for connection to the three electrodes 331, 332, and 333 of the pen core 330
- a rectangular part on another end side of the polyimide film 360 is a third terminal portion 360b.
- Three conductive patterns 361, 362, and 363 to be connected to the respective three electrodes 331, 332, and 333 provided in the pen core 330 are formed on the connecting portion 360a on the one end side of the polyimide film 360.
- three terminals 364, 365, and 366 are formed on the third terminal portion 360b on the other end side of the polyimide film 360.
- the three conductive patterns 361, 362, and 363 on the connecting portion 360a are electrically connected to the three terminals 364, 365, and 366 on the third terminal portion 360b by linear patterns 367, 368, and 369 on a thin and flexible part of the polyimide film 360.
- the circular-shaped part of the connecting portion 360a of the polyimide film 360 is bonded to a bottom portion of a press-fitting portion 34a of a core body holder 34', and the thin and flexible part is fitted so as to extend to the outside of a housing 38 through a slit 34c' of the core body holder 34'.
- the connecting end 330b of the pen core 330 is press-fitted into the press-fitting portion 34a of the core body holder 34', whereby the electrodes 331, 332, and 333 as the third electrode are electrically connected to the three terminals 364, 365, and 366 on the third terminal portion 360b.
- the polyimide film 360 is bonded and fixed to the periphery of the housing 38 to be described later by a wide part shown in FIG. 18(A) .
- an uneven portion 330c to be fitted to an uneven portion 34f at a time of insertion into the press-fitting portion 34b of the core body holder 34' is formed, and a projecting portion 330d for positioning the pen core 330 in a circumferential direction is formed.
- a groove to be fitted to the projecting portion 330d is formed at a predetermined position in the circumferential direction of the press-fitting portion 34a of the core body holder 34'. The fitting of the projecting portion 330d into the groove uniquely determines the circumferential position of the pen core 330.
- the electrodes 331, 332, and 333 as the third electrode are thereby electrically connected to the three conductive patterns 361, 362, and 363 on the connecting portion 360a of the polyimide film 360 in predetermined relation.
- FIG. 18(B) is a diagram showing another example of a polyimide film used in the second modification of the fifth embodiment.
- a connecting portion 360c which is formed by a circular part, and on which three electrodes 361A, 362A, and 363A as a third electrode are formed, is provided in substantially a central portion in a longitudinal direction of a polyimide film 360A in the present example.
- Third terminal portions are separated into two parts, which are provided on both sides of the connecting portion 360c.
- a third terminal part 360d on which only a terminal 364A of three terminals of third terminal portions is formed is provided on the left side of the connecting portion 360c, and a third terminal part 360e on which a terminal 365A and a terminal 366A of the three terminals of the third terminal portions are formed is provided on the right side of the connecting portion 360c.
- the conductive pattern 361A on the connecting portion 360c is electrically connected to the terminal 364A via a linear pattern 367A.
- the conductive patterns 362A and 363A on the connecting portion 360c are electrically connected to the terminals 365A and 366A via linear patterns 368A and 369A.
- the third terminal portions are divided into the two third terminal parts 360d and 360e, as described above. Therefore, though not shown in the figures, the core body holder 34' is provided with a groove portion leading out the third terminal part 360d to the outside and a groove portion leading out the third terminal part 360e.
- FIG. 19 is a sectional view of a part of a position indicator (electronic pen) including a position indicating module according to a sixth embodiment.
- the same configurations as those of the position indicating module according to the foregoing fifth embodiment are identified by the same reference symbols.
- Pen pressure detecting means is configured as a variable capacitance capacitor as in the fifth embodiment.
- Reference numeral 11 denotes a dielectric substantially in the shape of a disk.
- Reference numeral 35 denotes a second electrode formed of a conductive elastic material.
- Reference numeral 37 denotes a coil spring formed of a conductive material. The coil spring 37 has a second terminal 37b, and has a connecting portion 37c connected to the second electrode 35.
- Reference numeral 39 denotes a first electrode formed of a conductive metal.
- the first electrode 39 is provided so as to be in pressure contact with a first surface of the dielectric 11.
- a first terminal 39a integral with the first electrode 39 is led out from the first electrode 39.
- the second electrode is attached to a core body holder 340 as in the foregoing fifth embodiment.
- the second electrode 35 fixed to the core body holder 340 is configured to be movable in an axial direction within a housing 38' according to a pen pressure applied to a pen core 110 to be described later.
- reference numeral 101 denotes a case formed of a cylindrical conductive material.
- Reference numeral 102 denotes a front cap, which is made of a conductor material formed in a tapered shape.
- Reference numeral 103 denotes a pen tip guarding member, which is formed of an insulative material.
- a board holder 104 is housed within a hollow portion of the case 101.
- a printed board 105 is attached to a printed board mounting base portion 104a of the board holder 104.
- a position indicating module is retained by a module retaining portion 104b of the board holder 104.
- a battery not shown in the figure is housed in the case 101.
- Reference numeral 110 denotes a pen core, which is formed of a conductive rod-shaped body such as a metal in the present example.
- the pen core 110 may also be formed of a conductive felt.
- the pen core 110 itself constitutes a third electrode.
- Reference numeral 111 denotes a core holder, which has a retaining portion 111 a retaining the pen core 110.
- a conductive elastic member 112 formed of a conductive material having elasticity such for example as a conductive rubber is housed within the retaining portion 111 a.
- the pen core 110 is fitted into the retaining portion 111a via the conductive elastic member 112.
- the pen core 110 can be extracted from the core holder 111 by being pulled out with a predetermined force.
- a core body portion is formed with the pen core 110 fitted in the core holder 111.
- the core holder 111 has a rod-shaped portion 111b fitted into the core body holder 340 on an opposite side of the core holder 111 from the retaining portion 111a retaining the pen core 110.
- the rod-shaped portion 111b constitutes a transmitting member that transmits an external force (pen pressure) applied to the pen core 110 to the second electrode 35 retained by the core body holder 340.
- a fitting portion 340a into which the rod-shaped portion 111b is fitted is formed in the core body holder 340.
- the rod-shaped portion 111b of the core holder 111 is press-fitted into the fitting portion 340a.
- a swelling portion is formed in the vicinity of an end portion of the rod-shaped portion 111b. The swelling portion is engaged with the core body holder 340. The core holder 111 is thereby prevented from falling off the core body holder 340.
- a coil spring 113 formed of a conductive material such as a conductive metal is fitted to the rod-shaped portion 111b of the core holder 111.
- the coil spring 113 always biases the core holder 111 toward the pen core 110 with respect to the board holder 104.
- the housing 38' is provided with a conductor terminal member 115 disposed so as to straddle the housing 38' and extend to the printed board 105 side.
- the conductor terminal member 115 and the coil spring 113 formed of a conductive material constitute an electric connecting member.
- An electric connection to a circuit member for supplying a signal on the printed board 105 is realized by the electric connecting member.
- the conductor terminal member 115 includes: an abutting plate portion 115a that one end of the coil spring 113 abuts against; and a third terminal 115b, which is formed by an extending portion connecting the abutting plate portion 115a to a copper foil part connected to a signal supply terminal of the printed board 105 such that the extending portion straddles the part of the pressure sensing part retaining portion 104b of the board holder 104.
- a signal from the signal supply terminal of the printed board 105 is supplied to the pen core 110 via the conductor terminal member 115, the coil spring 113, the core holder 111, and the conductive elastic member 112.
- a variable capacitance capacitor is formed by the dielectric 11, the first electrode 12, the second electrode 13 or 26a, and the spacer 14 each as an individual constituent part forming a pen pressure detecting unit.
- a variable capacitance capacitor is formed by the dielectric 11, the first electrode 12 or 39, and the second electrode 30 or 35 each as an individual constituent part forming a pen pressure detecting unit.
- a capacitance type pressure sensing device as one semiconductor device is used as a variable capacitance capacitor forming a pen pressure detecting unit.
- FIG. 20 shows an outline of a position indicating module according to the seventh embodiment.
- FIG. 21 is an exploded view of an internal configuration of the position indicating module according to the seventh embodiment, the position indicating module including a pressure sensing unit 61, a pen core 62, a core body holder 63, a polyimide film 64, and a pressing portion 65. All of these parts 61 to 65 are united within a housing 66, and formed as the position indicating module.
- the pressure sensing unit 61 is formed by a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical System) sensor, which is an example of a capacitance type pressure sensing device as shown in FIG. 2 of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2013-156066 , for example.
- MEMS Micro Electro Mechanical System
- This MEMS sensor which is described in detail in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2013-156066 , is a semiconductor device that detects an applied pressure as a change in capacitance.
- the MEMS sensor has a configuration in which a first electrode configured to bend when receiving an external pressure and a fixed second electrode are arranged so as to be opposed to each other with an air layer (space) as a dielectric interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode.
- the MEMS sensor receives an external pressure
- the surface of the first electrode bends.
- a distance between the first electrode and the second electrode with the air layer interposed therebetween changes, and therefore a capacitance between the first electrode and the second electrode changes.
- the MEMS sensor is configured to detect the externally applied pressure as a change in this capacitance.
- the pressure sensing unit 61 may be formed by such a unit as is obtained by modularizing a part (the dielectric 11, the first electrode 12, the second electrode 13, and the spacer 14) of the configuration of the position indicating module illustrated in the first embodiment, for example.
- the pen core 62 in the present example is formed of a nonconductor material, for example a resin, substantially in the shape of a rod. In the present example, only the pen core 62 constitutes a core body portion.
- the pen core 62 has a third electrode in a tip not shown in the figure, and has a conductive connecting end 62b on an opposite side from the tip.
- the pen core 62 in the present example has a slightly uneven portion 62c on the conductive connecting end 62b side.
- the core body holder 63 has a hole having a shape into which the uneven portion 62c of the pen core 62 is fitted precisely, and has a structure from which the pen core 62 is detachable.
- FIG. 22 is a developed view of the polyimide film 64.
- a conductive pattern shown in black in FIG. 22 is formed on one surface of the polyimide film 36 by etching or the like.
- a conductive pattern 64a to be connected to the conductive connecting end 62b of the pen core 62 is formed on a circular-shaped part on one end side of the polyimide film 64, and a connecting terminal 64b is formed as a conductive pattern on a rectangular part on another end side of the polyimide film 64.
- the conductive pattern 64a side of the polyimide film 64 is bonded to the core body holder 63.
- the conductive connecting end 62b of the pen core 62 is electrically connected to the conductive pattern 64a on the polyimide film 64.
- the electric connection to the conductive pattern 64a on the polyimide film 64 may be ensured by attaching an elastic conductive material such as a conductive rubber to a contact portion of the conductive connecting end 62b of the pen core 62.
- the pressing portion 65 is bonded to a side of the polyimide film 64 bonded to the core body holder 63 on which side the conductor pattern 64a is not formed.
- the pressing portion 65 in the present example is formed of a material having an elastic force such as a silicon rubber in a substantially conical shape. A tip of the substantially conical shape of the pressing portion 65 depresses a pressing force application surface 61 a of the MEMS sensor 61.
- FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration in a case where the position indicating module according to the seventh embodiment is attached to a printed board 67.
- a groove 66a communicating with the inside of the housing 66 is formed in a part of a peripheral side surface of an end portion of the tubular-shaped housing 66 which end portion is on the printed board 67 side.
- the polyimide film 64 is housed within the groove 66a, and the connecting terminal 64b of the polyimide film 64 is led out from the groove 66a.
- a recessed portion 66b into which an end portion of the printed board 67 is inserted and a pair of projections 66c (only one of the pair of projections is shown in FIG. 23 ) that sandwich the printed board 67 therebetween in a thickness direction.
- the printed board 67 is coupled to the housing 66, and is for example bonded to the housing 66.
- the connecting terminal 64b of the polyimide film 64 which connecting terminal is led out from the housing 66 is for example soldered to the printed board 67, and is thus connected to an electronic circuit provided on the printed board 67.
- the pen pressure when a pen pressure is applied to the pen core 62, the pen pressure is transmitted to the pressing portion 65 via the core body holder 63 to press the pressing force application surface 61a of the MEMS sensor 61, and thus the capacitance of the MEMS sensor 61 exhibits a change according to the pen pressure. Hence, the pen pressure can be detected from the change in the capacitance of the MEMS sensor 61.
- FIG. 24 shows an example of an internal structure of an embodiment of a stylus pen according to the present invention.
- reference numeral 40 denotes the position indicating module according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 .
- the same configurations as those of the first position indicating module shown in FIG. 1 are identified by the same reference symbols.
- reference numeral 15 denotes a first terminal
- reference numeral 16 denotes a second terminal
- reference numeral 17 denotes a pen core
- reference numeral 18 denotes a third electrode
- reference symbol 19b denotes a third terminal.
- Reference numeral 41 denotes an electric double layer capacitor that stores power.
- Reference numeral 42 denotes a coil for charging the electric double layer capacitor 41 in a noncontact manner.
- the coil 42 is wound around a hollow cylindrical ferrite core, which is disposed such that the pen core 17 passes through the ferrite core.
- Reference numeral 43 denotes a printed board.
- FIG. 25 shows a circuit configuration of the stylus pen shown in FIG. 24 .
- the same parts as in FIG. 24 are identified by the same reference symbols.
- reference numeral 18 denotes a third electrode
- reference numeral 41 denotes an electric double layer capacitor
- reference numeral 42 denotes a coil for charging the electric double layer capacitor 41 in a noncontact manner.
- Reference numeral 44 denotes a microprocessor.
- Reference numeral 45 denotes an oscillating circuit that generates a signal of a fixed frequency.
- Reference numeral 46 denotes a modulating circuit, which subjects the signal output from the oscillating circuit 45 to ASK (Amplitude Shift Keying) modulation on the basis of a control signal p from an output terminal P1 of the microprocessor 44.
- a signal r modulated by the modulating circuit 46 is supplied to the third electrode 18, and is sent out as a signal. In this case, the signal supply from the modulating circuit 46 to the third electrode 18 is performed via the position indicating module 40.
- Reference numeral 47 denotes a charging circuit for charging the electric double layer capacitor 41 by a voltage induced in the coil 42. While the coil 42 is disposed around the pen core 17 in the present embodiment, the coil 42 may be disposed at a position different from that of the pen core 17.
- Reference numeral 48 denotes a voltage converting circuit, which generates a fixed voltage from a voltage stored in the electric double layer capacitor 41, and supplies the voltage as power for driving each circuit, that is, the microprocessor 44, the oscillating circuit 45, and the modulating circuit 46. Description will be made supposing that the fixed power supply voltage is 1.5 V in the present embodiment.
- Reference numeral 40a denotes a variable capacitance capacitor formed by the dielectric 11, the first terminal 15, and the second terminal 16 of the position indicating module 40.
- a resistance R is connected in parallel with the variable capacitance capacitor 40a.
- One terminal of the variable capacitance capacitor 40a is connected to an input-output terminal P2 of the microprocessor 44.
- the terminal P2 When the terminal P2 is in an output state, the terminal P2 outputs a high level, so that the variable capacitance capacitor 40a is charged to 1.5 V.
- the terminal P2 is in an input state, the terminal P2 is in a high-impedance state. Therefore, a charge stored in the variable capacitance capacitor 40a is slowly discharged via the resistance R connected in parallel, and the voltage of the terminal P2 is gradually lowered.
- the terminal P2 operates as a comparator having a fixed threshold value Vth. Description will be made supposing that the threshold value in the present embodiment is half the power supply voltage, that is, 0.75 V.
- the frequency of the signal generated by the oscillating circuit 45 is set at about 1.5 MHz to 2.0 MHz.
- the signal can be detected by a tablet without a need for such a configuration that a casing not shown in FIG. 24 is electrically grounded and touched by a hand.
- FIG. 26 shows the operation of the present embodiment, and shows changes in the signals p, q, and r in FIG. 25 .
- the microprocessor 44 performs control such that the terminal P1 (signal p) maintains a high level for a certain period.
- the signal (r) is thereby emitted from the third electrode 18 continuously during the certain period (see a continuous transmission period in FIG. 26 ).
- the microprocessor 44 controls the terminal P2 to determine a pen pressure applied to the position indicating module 40.
- the microprocessor 44 charges the variable capacitance capacitor 40a by setting the terminal P2 in an output state.
- the microprocessor 44 switches the terminal P2 to an input state.
- a charge stored in the variable capacitance capacitor 40a is discharged by the resistance R connected in parallel with the variable capacitance capacitor 40a, and therefore the voltage (q) of the variable capacitance capacitor 40a is gradually lowered.
- a time Tp taken for the voltage q to be lowered to 0.75 V or lower after the terminal P2 is switched to the input state is obtained.
- This time Tp corresponds to the pen pressure to be obtained.
- the pen pressure is obtained as a value of 11 bits.
- the microprocessor 44 After an end of this continuous transmission period, the microprocessor 44 performs ASK modulation by controlling the terminal P1 to a high level or a low level in predetermined cycles (Td). At this time, a high level is always set in the first cycle (start signal in FIG. 26 ). This is to enable subsequent data sending-out timing to be correctly determined on the tablet side.
- the microprocessor 44 sequentially transmits pen pressure data of 11 bits following the start signal. Then, the microprocessor 44 controls the terminal P1 to a low level when transmission data is 0, and controls the terminal P1 to a high level when transmission data is 1.
- FIG. 26 shows a case where the pen pressure to be transmitted is "10101110101.” In the present embodiment, the operation of FIG. 26 is performed repeatedly.
- the position indicating module according to the first embodiment ( FIG. 1 ) is used in the stylus pen according to the present embodiment.
- the position indicating modules according to the second to seventh embodiments may be used.
- configurations similar to the position indicating modules according to the first to seventh embodiments may be directly formed within the stylus pen.
- FIG. 27 represents an example of a configuration of a tablet used to detect the stylus pen according to the present invention.
- reference numeral 50 denotes the stylus pen shown in FIG. 24 and FIG. 25
- reference numeral 51 denotes a tablet sensor having transparent glass as a base material.
- the front surface of the tablet sensor 51 is provided with an X-electrode group arranged in an X-direction
- the back surface of the tablet sensor 51 is provided with a Y-electrode group arranged in a Y-direction.
- the X-electrode group and the Y-electrode group are formed as transparent electrodes of ITO (Indium Tin Oxide; transparent conductive film).
- ITO Indium Tin Oxide
- the tablet sensor 51 is disposed on a display device not shown in the figures, so that a display position on the display device can be directly input by the stylus pen 50.
- Reference numeral 52 denotes a selecting circuit that selects one electrode from among the X-electrode group and the Y-electrode group. In the present embodiment, description will be made supposing that there are 40 X-electrodes (X1 to X40) and there are 30 Y-electrodes (Y1 to Y30).
- the electrode selected by the selecting circuit 52 is connected to an amplifying circuit 53. A signal from the stylus pen 50 is detected by the selected electrode, and amplified by the amplifying circuit 53.
- the output of the amplifying circuit 53 is supplied to a band-pass filter circuit 54 to extract only a component of a frequency transmitted from the stylus pen 50.
- the output signal of the band-pass filter circuit 54 is detected by a detecting circuit 55.
- the output signal of the detecting circuit 55 is supplied to a sample and hold circuit 56 to be sampled and held in predetermined timing, and is thereafter converted into a digital value by an AD (Analog-to-Digital) converting circuit 57. This digital data is read and processed by a microprocessor 58.
- the microprocessor 58 internally has a ROM (Read-Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory), and operates according to a program stored in the ROM to send out respective control signals to the sample and hold circuit 56, the AD converting circuit 57, and the selecting circuit 52.
- ROM Read-Only Memory
- RAM Random Access Memory
- FIG. 28 shows an X-axis whole surface scanning operation for obtaining an approximate X-direction position of the stylus pen 50 on the tablet sensor 51.
- the microprocessor 58 sends out a control signal to select the electrode X1 to the selecting circuit 52, and reads data output from the AD converting circuit 57 at the time of selecting the electrode X1 as a signal level.
- the microprocessor 58 similarly reads signal levels while sequentially changing the selection by the selecting circuit 52 to the electrodes X2, X3, X4, .... At this time, when the signal levels detected by all of the electrodes X1 to X40 do not reach a predetermined value, it is determined that the stylus pen 50 is not on the tablet sensor 51, and the operation of FIG. 28 is repeated.
- the microprocessor 58 stores the number of the X-electrode from which the highest signal level is detected (electrode X11 in FIG. 28 ).
- the microprocessor 58 When determining that the stylus pen 50 is located around the electrode X11, the microprocessor 58 performs an operation for transition to partial scanning as shown in FIG. 29 .
- This operation for transition to partial scanning is an operation for the microprocessor 58 to synchronize timing thereof with the operation of the stylus pen 50 by detecting the time of a start of the period of continuous transmission from the stylus pen 50, and obtain an approximate position of the stylus pen 50 on the Y-axis, when the stylus pen 50 repeats the operation as shown in FIG. 26 .
- the microprocessor 58 sends out a control signal to select the electrode X11 determined in the above-described X-axis whole surface scanning operation to the selecting circuit 52. At this time, a signal corresponding to the signal transmitted from the stylus pen 50 is induced in the electrode X11, and a voltage corresponding to the level of the signal is generated in the detecting circuit 55.
- the microprocessor 58 reads the signal level by operating the sample and hold circuit 56 and the AD converting circuit 57 in certain cycles. The cycles of operating the sample and hold circuit 56 and the AD converting circuit 57 are each set to be a time sufficiently shorter than a cycle (Td) in which the stylus pen 50 makes transmission in a data transmission period.
- the microprocessor 58 determines that the continuous transmission period of the stylus pen 50 is started. The microprocessor 58 then makes a transition to a Y-axis whole surface scanning operation ( FIG. 29 ). This time (Ts) is set to be a time sufficiently longer than a cycle (Td) in which the stylus pen 50 makes transmission in a data transmission period.
- the microprocessor 58 controls the selecting circuit 52 to sequentially select the electrodes Y1 to Y30, and reads the signal levels from the AD converting circuit 57. At this time, the microprocessor 58 stores an electrode from which a highest signal level is detected. In the present embodiment, description will be made supposing that a highest signal level is detected from the electrode Y20.
- the microprocessor 58 After the selecting circuit 52 selects the last electrode Y30, and the detection of the signal level is ended, the microprocessor 58 performs an operation for waiting for an end of the period of continuous transmission from the stylus pen 50. The microprocessor 58 performs control so that the selecting circuit 52 selects the electrode X11. At this time, when the transmission from the stylus pen 50 is continued, a signal having a level equal to or more than the above-described predetermined value is detected. A time at which the received signal level ceases to reach the predetermined value is the end time of the continuous transmission from the stylus pen 50. The stylus pen 50 next starts a data transmission period. However, a precise position of the stylus pen 50 is not determined at this time. Thus, in this case, a transition is made to a partial scanning operation shown in FIG. 30 without data being read.
- the microprocessor 58 determines that the continuous transmission period of the stylus pen 50 is started. The microprocessor 58 then makes a transition to a coordinate detecting operation (step 1 in FIG. 30 ).
- This time (Ts) is similar to that described with reference to FIG. 29 , and is set to be a time sufficiently longer than a cycle (Td) in which the stylus pen 50 makes transmission in a data transmission period.
- the selecting circuit 52 sequentially selects five electrodes X9 to X13 with the electrode X11 at a center, and the microprocessor 58 operates the AD converting circuit 57 to read the signal levels (step 1).
- the number of an electrode detecting a highest signal level (electrode X11 in this case) and the signal level VPX are stored, and the levels detected by the electrodes adjacent to the electrode detecting the highest signal level on both sides are stored as VAX and VBX (step 1).
- the selecting circuit 52 sequentially selects five electrodes Y18 to Y22 with the electrode Y20 at a center, and the microprocessor 58 reads the signal levels (step 1).
- the number of an electrode detecting a highest signal level (electrode Y20 in this case) and the signal level VPY are stored, and the levels detected by the electrodes adjacent to the electrode detecting the highest signal level on both sides are stored as VAY and VBY (step 1).
- the signal levels VPX, VAX, VBX, VPY, VAY, and VBY obtained here are used for calculation of coordinate values by calculation equations to be described later.
- the microprocessor 58 next performs an operation for waiting for an end of the period of continuous transmission from the stylus pen 50.
- the microprocessor 58 performs control so that the selecting circuit 52 selects the electrode X11 from which a peak is detected in the above-described coordinate detecting operation.
- a time at which the received signal level ceases to reach the predetermined value is the end time of the continuous transmission from the stylus pen 50 (step 1).
- the microprocessor 58 After detecting an end of the continuous transmission from the stylus pen 50, the microprocessor 58 starts an operation of detecting timing of a start signal transmitted prior to pen pressure data (step 2).
- the microprocessor 58 performs control to repeatedly start the sample and hold circuit 56 and the AD converting circuit 57 in a state in which the electrode X11 is selected.
- the microprocessor 58 stores, as t1, a time at which the signal level becomes equal to or more than the above-described predetermined value.
- the microprocessor 58 starts an operation of receiving data from the stylus pen at a time after a wait for a fixed time Tw from time t1 (step 2). This time Tw is assumed to be taken for the signal level received by the tablet to become substantially zero after an end of transmission of the start signal from the stylus pen 50, and is set to be a time determined in advance.
- the microprocessor 58 starts a timer not shown in the figures at the same time that the above-described waiting time reaches Tw. This timer repeatedly counts a value coinciding with the above-described time Td (cycle of data transmission from the stylus pen) from zero (step 2). During the operating period of one cycle of the timer, the microprocessor 58 repeatedly starts the sample and hold circuit 56 and the AD converting circuit 57 to read the signal level.
- the counting of the above-described timer is performed 11 times, and thus data of 11 bits is stored.
- This data of 11 bits corresponds to the data of 11 bits shown in FIG. 26 , and is a result of detection of a pen pressure applied to the position indicating module 40 of the stylus pen 50.
- FIG. 30 represents a case where the pen pressure data is "10101110101.”
- step 2 the data reception is performed while the electrode (X11) from which the maximum level is detected is selected from among the X-axis electrodes.
- this reception may be performed while the electrode (Y20) from which the maximum level is detected is selected from among the Y-axis electrodes.
- step 2 After the reception of the data of 11 bits is ended in step 2, a transition is made to the operation of detecting a start of a period of continuous transmission from the stylus pen (step 1), and the microprocessor 58 repeatedly performs the operation of FIG. 29 .
- the coordinate position (X, Y) of the stylus pen 50 is obtained by the following equation from the reception levels obtained in the above-described step 1.
- X Px + Dx / 2 ⁇ VBX ⁇ VAX / 2 ⁇ VPX ⁇ VAX ⁇ VBX
- Px is the coordinate position of the electrode from which the maximum level is detected on the X-axis (electrode X11 in this case)
- Dx is an arrangement pitch between the X-axis electrodes.
- Y Py + Dy / 2 ⁇ VBY ⁇ VAY / 2 ⁇ VPY ⁇ VAY ⁇ VBY
- Py is the coordinate position of the electrode from which the maximum level is detected on the Y-axis (electrode Y20 in this case)
- Dy is an arrangement pitch between the Y-axis electrodes.
- the part acting to return the pen core 17 when a pen pressure disappears and the connecting portion for connection to the third electrode 18 are an identical structure (a coil spring or a polyimide film).
- the connecting portion for connection to the third electrode 18 does not affect pen pressure detection. It is therefore possible to realize an electrostatic stylus pen capable of accurately detecting a change in a pen pressure applied by a light touch.
- connection line (flexible part 36c of the polyimide film 36) for connection to the electrode in the pen core is in a direction at a right angle to the direction of displacement of the pen core 33.
- the connection line does not affect pen pressure detection. It is therefore possible to realize an electrostatic stylus pen capable of accurately detecting a change in a pen pressure applied by a light touch.
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Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to a position indicating module and a stylus pen that are used to input an indicated position on a tablet.
- Prior to the present application, the applicant has proposed a position indicator having a coil or an electrode provided in a position indicating portion to obtain a coordinate position on a tablet in Patent Document 1 (
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-164356 - Patent Document 2 (
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1993-275283 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2011-186803 - There has recently been an increasing need to use an electrostatic touch panel in combination with a position indicator such as a stylus pen. The use of a stylus pen of an electrostatic type with such a device provides an advantage of being able to simplify the configuration of the tablet. Not only the above-described
Patent Document 1 but also Patent Document 4 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1994-250772 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1995-295722 -
- Patent Document 1:
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-164356 - Patent Document 2:
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1993-275283 - Patent Document 3:
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2011-186803 - Patent Document 4:
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1994-250772 - Patent Document 5:
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1995-295722 - In the case of an electrostatic stylus pen, an electrode needs to be provided in a pen core, and a connection to the electrode needs to be made. On the other hand, a variable capacitance capacitor as described in
Patent Document 2 or Patent Document 3 has a pen core slightly displaced according to a pen pressure. When a connection is to be made to such a part that undergoes displacement, a connecting part affects pen pressure detection, thus presenting problems such as a degradation in pen pressure detection characteristics, inability to perform input by a light load, and the like. In addition, there is for example a problem of being unable to replace the pen core easily even when a pen tip is worn away. - The present invention presents a solution to the above-described problems, and proposes an electrostatic stylus pen capable of detecting a change in a pen pressure applied by a light touch with high accuracy, and a position indicating module used in the electrostatic stylus pen.
- In addition to the above, the present invention proposes an electrostatic stylus pen from which a pen core including an electrode is detachable.
- The present invention proposes
- (1) a position indicating module including: a dielectric having two surfaces opposed to each other; a first electrode disposed on a first surface of the dielectric; a second electrode disposed so as to face a second surface of the dielectric, an area of contact of the second electrode with the second surface being changed by an external force; a core body portion having a third electrode in a tip portion, and transmitting the external force to the second electrode; a first terminal electrically connected to the first electrode; a second terminal electrically connected to the second electrode; and a third terminal electrically connected to the third electrode.
- In addition, the following position indicating module is proposed:
- (2) in the above (1), a conductive portion electrically connected to the third electrode is provided to another end (opposite end from the tip portion) of the core body portion, a core holder formed of a conductive material is provided, and the third electrode and the third terminal are connected to each other by detachably press-fitting the other end of the core body portion into the core holder.
- In addition, the following position indicating module is proposed:
- (3) in the above (2), an electric connection between the core holder and the third terminal is made via a conductive spring.
- In addition, the following position indicating module is proposed:
- (4) in the above (2), the second electrode is formed of an elastic member having conductivity, and the second electrode and the core holder are laminated to both surfaces of a flexible circuit board having flexibility.
- Further, the following position indicating module is proposed:
- (5) in the above (1), a conductive portion electrically connected to the third electrode is provided to another end (opposite end from the tip portion) of the core body portion, and the conductive portion and the third terminal are connected to each other by a flexible electric wire electrically connected to the conductive portion and extending in a direction perpendicular to an axis of the core body portion.
- According to the present invention, it is possible to realize an electrostatic stylus pen that can facilitate replacement of a pen core and which can detect a change in a pen pressure applied by a light touch with high accuracy.
-
- [
FIG. 1 ]
FIG. 1 is a structural diagram of an example of a position indicating module according to a first embodiment of the present invention. - [
FIG. 2 ]
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a dielectric, a spacer, and a second electrode in the example ofFIG. 1 each being disassembled and arranged. - [
FIG. 3 ]
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing external appearances of afirst terminal 15 and asecond terminal 16 in the example ofFIG. 1 . - [
FIG. 4 ]
FIG. 4 is an external view of acoil spring 19 in the example ofFIG. 1 . - [
FIG. 5 ]
FIG. 5 is a structural diagram of an example of a position indicating module according to a second embodiment of the present invention. - [
FIG. 6 ]
FIG. 6 is a developed view of apolyimide film 24 in the example ofFIG. 5 . - [
FIG. 7 ]
FIG. 7 is a structural diagram of an example of a position indicating module according to a third embodiment of the present invention. - [
FIG. 8 ]
FIG. 8 is a developed view of apolyimide film 26 in the example ofFIG. 7 . - [
FIG. 9 ]
FIG. 9 is a structural diagram of an example of a position indicating module according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. - [
FIG. 10 ]
FIG. 10 is a developed view of apolyimide film 29 in the example ofFIG. 9 . - [
FIG. 11 ]
FIG. 11 is a structural diagram of an example of a position indicating module according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. - [
FIG. 12 ]
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the shape of acore body holder 34 in the example ofFIG. 11 . - [
FIG. 13 ]
FIG. 13 is a developed view of apolyimide film 36 in the example ofFIG. 11 . - [
FIG. 14 ]
FIG. 14 is an external view of acoil spring 37 in the example ofFIG. 11 . - [
FIG. 15 ]
FIG. 15 is a structural diagram of an example of a first modification of the fifth embodiment of the present invention. - [
FIG. 16 ]
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the shape of a core body holder 34' in the example ofFIG. 15 . - [
FIG. 17 ]
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a constitution of an example of apen core 330 used in a second modification of the fifth embodiment of the present invention. - [
FIG. 18 ]
FIG. 18 is a developed view of apolyimide film 360 used in the second modification of the fifth embodiment of the present invention. - [
FIG. 19 ]
FIG. 19 is a diagram of assistance in explaining the structure of an example of a position indicating module according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. - [
FIG. 20 ]
FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an outline of a position indicating module according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. - [
FIG. 21 ]
FIG. 21 is an exploded view showing an internal structure inFIG. 20 . - [
FIG. 22 ]
FIG. 22 is a developed view of apolyimide film 64 in the example ofFIG. 20 . - [
FIG. 23 ]
FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration in a case where the position indicating module in the example ofFIG. 20 is attached to a printed board. - [
FIG. 24 ]
FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a stylus pen according to the present invention. - [
FIG. 25 ]
FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration of the embodiment of the stylus pen according to the present invention. - [
FIG. 26 ]
FIG. 26 is a diagram showing operation of the embodiment of the stylus pen according to the present invention. - [
FIG. 27 ]
FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a tablet used to detect the stylus pen. - [
FIG. 28 ]
FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an X-axis whole surface scanning operation. - [
FIG. 29 ]
FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an operation for transition to partial scanning. - [
FIG. 30 ]
FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a partial scanning operation. -
FIG. 1 is a structural diagram (central sectional view) of an example of a position indicating module according to a first embodiment of the present invention. InFIG. 1 ,reference numeral 11 denotes a dielectric substantially in the shape of a disk,reference numeral 12 denotes a first electrode disposed on a first surface of the dielectric 11, andreference numeral 13 denotes a second electrode formed of a flexible material. Thesecond electrode 13 is disposed on the side of a second surface of the dielectric 11 which second surface is opposed to the first surface of the dielectric 11 with a ring-shapedspacer 14 interposed between thesecond electrode 13 and the second surface. A conductive rubber, for example, can be used as thesecond electrode 13, or a material obtained by depositing a conductive substance on one surface of a polyimide film may be used as thesecond electrode 13. -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view when the dielectric 11, thespacer 14, and thesecond electrode 13 are each disassembled and arranged. At least the side of asurface 13a of thesecond electrode 13 which surface is in contact with thespacer 14 has conductivity. The conductive surface is provided with a projectingportion 13b. - In
FIG. 1 ,reference numeral 15 denotes a first terminal molded of a metal. Thefirst terminal 15 is electrically connected to thefirst electrode 12 on the dielectric 11.Reference numeral 16 denotes a second terminal molded of a metal. Thesecond terminal 16 is electrically connected to thesecond electrode 13. -
FIG. 3 shows external appearances of thefirst terminal 15 and thesecond terminal 16. Thefirst terminal 15 is provided with aflat part 15a connected to thefirst electrode 12. In addition, thesecond terminal 16 is provided with aflat part 16a connected to the projectingportion 13b of thesecond electrode 13. - In
FIG. 1 ,reference numeral 17 denotes a pen core substantially in the shape of a rod, the pen core in the present example being formed of a nonconductor material, for example a resin. In the present example, only thepen core 17 constitutes a core body portion. Athird electrode 18 is embedded in atip 17a of thepen core 17. A connectingend 17b of thepen core 17, which connecting end is on the opposite side from thetip 17a, is coated with a conductive substance. The connectingend 17b is electrically connected to thethird electrode 18 via aconductor 17c provided within thepen core 17. -
Reference numeral 19 denotes a spring formed of a conductive material. The spring in the present example is a coil spring.FIG. 4 shows an external appearance of the coil spring. An elastic windingportion 19a and a third terminal 19b extending straight are provided. -
Reference numeral 20 denotes a core body holder formed of a conductive material. Thecore body holder 20 has such a shape as to be precisely fitted into the windingportion 19a of thecoil spring 19. In addition, thecoil spring 19 is in contact with and electrically connected to thecore body holder 20 by a projectingportion 20a projecting in the shape of a flange from an outer circumferential surface of thecore body holder 20. Thecore body holder 20 is provided with a hole into which to insert and fit the connectingend 17b of thepen core 17. The connectingend 17b of thepen core 17 is press-fitted into thecore body holder 20, whereby thecore body holder 20 is electrically connected to the connectingend 17b. -
Reference numeral 21 denotes a pressing body molded of a plastic. One end of thepressing body 21 has a rounded cylindrical shape, and another end of thepressing body 21 has a flat shape. The flat-shaped other end side of thepressing body 21 is bonded to thecore body holder 20. The rounded one end side of thepressing body 21 is disposed so as to be in precise contact with thesecond electrode 13. An elastic material such as a rubber may be used as thepressing body 21. -
Reference numeral 22 denotes a housing, in which the above-described members of the dielectric 11, thefirst electrode 12, thesecond electrode 13, thespacer 14, thefirst terminal 15, thesecond terminal 16, thepen core 17 including thethird electrode 18, thecoil spring 19, thecore body holder 20, and thepressing body 21 are united and formed as a position indicating module. In order to facilitate incorporation of each member, thehousing 22 is disassembled into a plurality of parts not shown in the figures, and is assembled by a method such as press-fitting, bonding, or the like. - The operation of the thus formed position indicating module according to the first embodiment will be described. Incidentally, in this first embodiment, the dielectric 11, the
first electrode 12, thesecond electrode 13, and thespacer 14 constitute a variable capacitance capacitor. The variable capacitance capacitor is an example of a configuration of a pen pressure detecting unit. - In a state in which no pen pressure is applied to the
pen core 17, the dielectric 11 and thesecond electrode 13 are not in contact with each other due to thespacer 14. When a pen pressure is applied to thepen core 17, thepressing body 21 displaces thesecond electrode 13, so that thesecond electrode 13 comes into contact with the second surface of the dielectric 11. The area of the contact changes according to the magnitude of the pen pressure applied to thepen core 17. Thus, a capacitance between thefirst terminal 15 and the second terminal 16 changes according to the magnitude of the pen pressure applied to thepen core 17. - On the other hand, the
third electrode 18 provided in thepen core 17 is electrically connected to the third terminal 19b via thecore body holder 20 and thecoil spring 19 irrespective of the presence or absence of a pen pressure. - In the position indicating module according to the first embodiment, the
coil spring 19 is used both as a part acting to return thepen core 17 when a pen pressure disappears and as a connecting portion connecting the third terminal and thethird electrode 18 to each other. Thus, the connecting portion connecting the third terminal and thethird electrode 18 to each other does not affect pen pressure detection, and a light load can be detected with high accuracy. - In addition, breaking of a connection line between the third terminal and the
third electrode 18 due to repetition of displacement of thepen core 17 does not occur. -
FIG. 5 is a structural diagram (central sectional view) of an example of a position indicating module according to a second embodiment. The same configurations as those of the position indicating module according to the first embodiment shown inFIG. 1 are identified by the same reference symbols. The second embodiment has many commonalities with the first embodiment. The following description will therefore be made only of parts different from those ofFIG. 1 . -
Reference numeral 23 denotes a coil spring formed of a conductive material. Thecoil spring 23 is substantially the same as thecoil spring 19 shown inFIG. 4 , thecoil spring 19 being used in the first embodiment. However, thecoil spring 23 does not have a part corresponding to the terminal 19b, which is a part extending straight. As with thecoil spring 19 in the first embodiment, thecoil spring 23 is inserted into acore body holder 20, and brought into contact with a projectingportion 20a. Thecoil spring 23 is thus electrically connected to thecore body holder 20. -
Reference numeral 24 denotes a polyimide film.FIG. 6 is a developed view of the polyimide film. Thepolyimide film 24 has a shape formed by coupling a ring-shaped part and a linear part to each other. On one surface of thepolyimide film 24, a ring-shapedconductive pattern 24a is formed on the ring-shaped part by etching or the like, and a linearconductive pattern 24b is formed on the linear part by etching or the like, such that theconductive pattern 24a and theconductive pattern 24b are continuous with each other. In addition, thepolyimide film 24 is bent at a right angle along a-a' inFIG. 6 . Theconductive pattern 24a on the ring-shaped part of thepolyimide film 24 has a same size as an end surface of thecoil spring 23, and is electrically connected to thecoil spring 23. Theconductive pattern 24b on the linear part projects as athird terminal 24b. - Reference numeral 25 denotes a housing, in which all members are united and formed as a position indicating module as in the first embodiment. In order to facilitate incorporation of each member, the housing 25 is disassembled into a plurality of parts not shown in the figures, and is assembled by a method such as press-fitting, bonding, or the like.
- Also in the thus configured second embodiment, a
third electrode 18 is electrically connected to the third terminal 24b via thecore body holder 20, thecoil spring 23, and thepolyimide film 24. - Also in the second embodiment, the
coil spring 23 is used both as a part acting to return thepen core 17 when a pen pressure disappears and as a connecting portion for connection from the third terminal 24b to thethird electrode 18. Thus, the connecting portion for connection from the third terminal 24b to thethird electrode 18 does not affect pen pressure detection, and a light load can be detected with high accuracy. - In addition, breaking of a connection line between the third terminal and the
third electrode 18 due to repetition of displacement of thepen core 17 does not occur. -
FIG. 7 is a structural diagram (central sectional view) of an example of a position indicating module according to a third embodiment. The same configurations as those of the position indicating module according to the first embodiment shown inFIG. 1 are identified by the same reference symbols. -
Reference numeral 11 denotes a dielectric substantially in the shape of a disk.Reference numeral 12 denotes a first electrode disposed on a first surface of the dielectric 11.Reference numeral 14 denotes a spacer.Reference numeral 15 denotes a first terminal molded of a metal. Thefirst terminal 15 is electrically connected to thefirst electrode 12 on the dielectric 11.Reference numeral 16 denotes a second terminal molded of a metal.Reference numeral 17 denotes a pen core substantially in the shape of a rod. Athird electrode 18 is embedded in atip 17a of thepen core 17. A connectingend 17b of thepen core 17 is coated with a conductive substance. The connectingend 17b is electrically connected to thethird electrode 18 via aconductor 17c provided within thepen core 17. These configurations are the same as in the position indicating module according to the first embodiment. -
Reference numeral 26 denotes a polyimide film.FIG. 8 is a developed view of the polyimide film. Thepolyimide film 26 has a shape formed by coupling a substantially circular-shaped part and a linear part to each other. A conductive pattern is formed on both surfaces of thepolyimide film 26. In addition, thepolyimide film 26 is bent at a right angle along a-a' inFIG. 8 . A first surface of the substantially circular-shaped part of thepolyimide film 26 which first surface is on the side of the dielectric 11 is provided with asecond electrode 26a (indicated by broken lines inFIG. 8 ) formed by depositing a conductive substance. Thesecond electrode 26a is electrically connected to thesecond terminal 16 at a projectingportion 26b on the substantially circular-shaped part. On a second surface of thepolyimide film 26 which second surface is an opposite surface from the first surface of thepolyimide film 26, a circularconductive pattern 26c is provided at the center of the substantially circular-shaped part. In addition, athird terminal 26d is provided on an end of the linear part of the second surface of thepolyimide film 26. The circularconductive pattern 26c and thethird terminal 26d are connected to each other by a thinconductive pattern 26e. These patterns are formed by etching or the like. -
Reference numeral 27 denotes a pressing body formed of a conductive elastic material, for example a conductive rubber. One end of thepressing body 27 has a rounded cylindrical shape. Another end of thepressing body 27 is provided with a hole into which the connectingend 17b of thepen core 17 is press-fitted. The shape of a housing 28 to be described later is determined such that the rounded end of thepressing body 27 is in precise contact with theconductive pattern 26c on thepolyimide film 26. - Reference numeral 28 denotes a housing, in which all members are united and formed as a position indicating module as in the first embodiment. In order to facilitate incorporation of each member, the housing 28 is disassembled into a plurality of parts not shown in the figures, and is assembled by a method such as press-fitting, bonding, or the like.
- The
polyimide film 26 has flexibility, and is therefore in a flat shape in a state in which no pen pressure is applied to thepen core 17. The dielectric 11 and thesecond electrode 26a are in a state of being not in contact with each other due to thespacer 14. However, when a pen pressure is applied to thepen core 17, thepressing body 27 displaces thesecond electrode 26a, so that thesecond electrode 26a comes into contact with the dielectric 11. The area of the contact between the dielectric 11 and thesecond electrode 26a changes according to the magnitude of the pen pressure applied to thepen core 17. Thus, a capacitance between thefirst terminal 15 and the second terminal 16 changes according to the magnitude of the pen pressure applied to thepen core 17. - On the other hand, the
third electrode 18 provided in thepen core 17 is electrically connected to thethird terminal 26d via thepressing body 27 and theconductive pattern 26c on the second surface side of thepolyimide film 26. - In the third embodiment, the flexibility of the
polyimide film 26 and the elasticity of thepressing body 27 always maintain the state in which thepressing body 27 and theconductive pattern 26c on thepolyimide film 26 are in contact with each other irrespective of the presence or absence of a pen pressure. - In the third embodiment, the connection between the
second terminal 16 and thesecond electrode 26a is made by the projectingportion 26b on thepolyimide film 26. However, the connection may be made via the first surface of the linear part of thepolyimide film 26, and the second terminal may be provided on the back side of thethird terminal 26d. -
FIG. 9 is a structural diagram (central sectional view) of an example of a position indicating module according to a fourth embodiment. The same configurations as those of the position indicating module according to the first embodiment shown inFIG. 1 are identified by the same reference symbols. -
Reference numeral 11 denotes a dielectric substantially in the shape of a disk.Reference numeral 12 denotes a first electrode disposed on a first surface of the dielectric 11.Reference numeral 15 denotes a first terminal molded of a metal. Thefirst terminal 15 is electrically connected to thefirst electrode 12 on the dielectric 11.Reference numeral 17 denotes a pen core substantially in the shape of a rod. Athird electrode 18 is embedded in atip 17a of thepen core 17. A connectingend 17b of thepen core 17 is coated with a conductive substance. The connectingend 17b is electrically connected to thethird electrode 18 via aconductor 17c provided within thepen core 17. These configurations are the same as in the position indicating module according to the first embodiment. -
Reference numeral 29 denotes a polyimide film.FIG. 10 is a developed view of the polyimide film. Thepolyimide film 29 has a shape formed by coupling a circular-shaped part to two linear parts. A conductive pattern is formed on both surfaces of thepolyimide film 29. In addition, thepolyimide film 29 is bent at a right angle along each of a-a' and b-b' inFIG. 10 . Description will be made supposing that when thepolyimide film 29 is fitted as inFIG. 9 , a surface of the circular-shaped part which surface faces thepen core 17 is a front surface, and a surface of the circular-shaped part which surface faces the dielectric 11 is a back surface. -
FIG. 10 shows, in black, the conductive pattern on thepolyimide film 29 as viewed from the front surface, and shows, by dotted lines, the conductive pattern on the back surface of thepolyimide film 29. Apattern 29a such that three sectors are coupled to each other by a central portion is formed on the front surface of the circular-shaped part as inFIG. 10 . On the back surface of the circular-shaped part, apattern 29b is formed in a position in which thepattern 29a on the front surface is rotated by precisely 60°. Because the sectorial parts of thepattern 29a thus do not overlap the sectorial parts of thepattern 29b, signals applied to therespective patterns - An end (front surface) of the first linear part of the
polyimide film 29 is provided with athird terminal 29d. Thethird terminal 29d is connected to thepattern 29a via athin pattern 29c formed on the first linear part of thepolyimide film 29. In addition, asecond terminal 29f is provided on an end (back surface) of the second linear part of thepolyimide film 29. Thesecond terminal 29f is connected to thepattern 29b via athin pattern 29e formed on the second linear part of thepolyimide film 29. -
Reference numeral 30 denotes a second electrode formed of a conductive elastic material, for example a conductive rubber. Thesecond electrode 30 has substantially a disk shape substantially equal in diameter to thepattern 29b on thepolyimide film 29. One surface of thesecond electrode 30 is flat, and another surface of thesecond electrode 30 is convex. Thesecond electrode 30 is bonded to the back surface of thepolyimide film 29 by a conductive adhesive, and is thus electrically connected to thepattern 29b. -
Reference numeral 31 denotes a core body holder formed of a conductive material and formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. One end of thecore body holder 31 is flat, and another end of thecore body holder 31 is provided with a hole in which the connectingend 17b of thepen core 17 is press-fitted. The flat surface of thecore body holder 31 is bonded to the front surface of thepolyimide film 29 by a conductive adhesive, and is thus electrically connected to thepattern 29a. - Reference numeral 32 denotes a housing, in which all members are united and formed as a position indicating module as in the first embodiment. In order to facilitate incorporation of each member, the housing 32 is disassembled into a plurality of parts not shown in the figures, and is assembled by a method such as press-fitting, bonding, or the like.
- Incidentally, the periphery of the circular portion of the
polyimide film 29 is fixed by the housing 28 from both of the front surface and the back surface. At this time, the back surface side of thepolyimide film 29 is held down by apart 32a that comes into circular line contact with the vicinity of the periphery. This is intended to facilitate displacement of thepolyimide film 29 when a pen pressure is applied to thepen core 17. - Dimensions of the housing 32 are determined such that a small clearance is left between the
second electrode 30 and the dielectric 11 when no pen pressure is applied to thepen core 17. - Also in the thus configured present embodiment, the area of contact between the
second electrode 30 and the dielectric 11 changes according to the pen pressure applied to thepen core 17. In addition, thethird electrode 18 is connected to the third terminal 29b via thecore body holder 31 and thepattern 29a on thepolyimide film 29 irrespective of the presence or absence of a pen pressure. -
FIG. 11 is a structural diagram (central sectional view) of an example of a position indicating module according to a fifth embodiment. The same configurations as those of the position indicating module according to the first embodiment shown inFIG. 1 are identified by the same reference symbols. -
Reference numeral 11 denotes a dielectric substantially in the shape of a disk.Reference numeral 12 denotes a first electrode disposed on a first surface of the dielectric 11.Reference numeral 15 denotes a first terminal molded of a metal. Thefirst terminal 15 is electrically connected to thefirst electrode 12 on the dielectric 11.Reference numeral 18 denotes a third electrode. - In the present fifth embodiment, an electric connection to the
third electrode 18 disposed in a tip of a pen core is made by using a flexible line. InFIG. 11 ,reference numeral 33 denotes a pen core substantially in the shape of a rod. Thepen core 33 is substantially the same as thepen core 17 of the position indicating module according to the first embodiment. Also in the fifth embodiment, only thepen core 33 constitutes a core body portion. Thethird electrode 18 is embedded in atip 33a of thepen core 33. An end surface of a connectingend 33b of thepen core 33 which connecting end is on an opposite side from thetip 33a is coated with a conductive substance. The connectingend 33b is electrically connected to thethird electrode 18 via aconductor 33c provided within thepen core 33. -
Reference numeral 34 denotes a core body holder molded of a plastic.FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the shape of thecore body holder 34. Two circular press-fittingportions core body holder 34. The connectingend 33b of thepen core 33 is press-fitted into the press-fittingportion 34a. Asecond electrode 35 to be described later is press-fitted into the press-fittingportion 34b. Aslit 34c is provided to the outer circumference of the press-fittingportion 34a. A projectingportion 34d is provided in the outer circumferential direction of theslit 34c. A bottom portion of the press-fittingportion 34a, a bottom portion of theslit 34c, and the projectingportion 34d form an identical plane for disposing apolyimide film 36 to be described later. Aslit 34e is also provided to the outer circumference of the press-fittingportion 34b. -
Reference numeral 36 denotes a polyimide film.FIG. 13 is a developed view of the polyimide film. A conductive pattern represented by a black part inFIG. 13 is formed on one surface of thepolyimide film 36 by etching or the like. A connectingportion 36a is formed as a conductive pattern on a circular-shaped part on one end side of thepolyimide film 36. Athird terminal 36b is formed as a conductive pattern on a rectangular part on another end side. The connectingportion 36a and the third terminal 36b are electrically connected to each other by alinear pattern 36c on a thin and flexible part of thepolyimide film 36. Incidentally, a part of the thin and flexible part of thepolyimide film 36 on which thin and flexible part thelinear pattern 36c is formed is a slightlywider part 36d, as shown inFIG. 13 . - The circular-shaped part of the connecting
portion 36a of thepolyimide film 36 is bonded to the bottom portion of the press-fittingportion 34a of thecore body holder 34. The thin and flexible part on which thelinear pattern 36c is formed is fitted so as to extend to the projectingportion 34d through theslit 34c of thecore body holder 34. - The connecting
end 33b of thepen core 33 is press-fitted into the press-fittingportion 34a of thecore body holder 34, whereby thethird electrode 18 and the third terminal 36b are electrically connected to each other. Thepolyimide film 36 is bonded and fixed to the periphery of a housing 38 to be described later by thewide part 36d shown inFIG. 13 . Incidentally, a conductive material having elasticity (for example conductive rubber or the like) may be interposed between the connectingend 33b of thepen core 33 and the connectingportion 36a on thepolyimide film 36 in order to ensure connection between the connectingend 33b of thepen core 33 and the connectingportion 36a on thepolyimide film 36. -
Reference numeral 37 denotes a coil spring formed of a conductive material. An external appearance of thecoil spring 37 is shown inFIG. 14 . Thecoil spring 37 includes an elastic windingportion 37a and asecond terminal 37b extending straight, and includes a connectingportion 37c extending to the inside of the windingportion 37a. Thecoil spring 37 is fitted to thecore body holder 34 such that the connectingportion 37c passes through theslit 34e. -
Reference numeral 35 denotes a second electrode formed of a conductive elastic material, for example a conductive rubber, and formed in a cylindrical shape. One end of thesecond electrode 35 has a rounded dome shape. Another end of thesecond electrode 35 is press-fitted into the press-fittingportion 34b of thecore body holder 34. Press-fitting thesecond electrode 35 into the press-fittingportion 34b of thecore body holder 34 connects thesecond electrode 35 to the connectingportion 37c of thecoil spring 37. Thesecond electrode 35 is thus electrically connected to thesecond terminal 37b. - Reference numeral 38 denotes a housing, in which all members are united and formed as a position indicating module as in the foregoing embodiments. In order to facilitate incorporation of each member, the housing 38 is disassembled into a plurality of parts not shown in the figures, and is assembled by a method such as press-fitting, bonding, or the like. Incidentally, dimensions of the housing 38 are determined such that a small clearance is left between the dome shape portion of the
second electrode 35 and the dielectric 11 when no pen pressure is applied to thepen core 33. - Description will be made of the operation of the thus formed position indicating module according to the fifth embodiment.
- In a state in which no pen pressure is applied to the
pen core 33, the dielectric 11 and thesecond electrode 35 are not in contact with each other. When a pen pressure is applied to thepen core 33, thesecond electrode 35 comes into contact with the dielectric 11. Because thesecond electrode 35 has elasticity, the area of the contact changes according to the magnitude of the pen pressure applied to thepen core 33. - Incidentally, in the fifth embodiment, the flexible part on which the
linear conductor pattern 36c extending from the connectingportion 36a on thepolyimide film 36 is formed is in a direction at a right angle to the direction of displacement of thepen core 33. Thus, the elastic force of thepolyimide film 36 itself against the displacement direction is very much smaller than the elastic force of thecoil spring 37. Thepolyimide film 36 therefore hardly hinders the displacement of thepen core 33. -
FIG. 15 is a structural diagram (central sectional view) of a modification of the position indicating module according to the fifth embodiment. The same configurations as those of the position indicating module according to the fifth embodiment shown inFIG. 11 are identified by the same reference symbols. This first modification of the fifth embodiment is an example that remedies a problem that the thin and flexible part of thepolyimide film 36 may come away from the housing 38 and become loose, as shown inFIG. 11 , because of the presence of the projectingportion 34d of the press-fittingportion 34a in the above-described fifth embodiment. A core body holder 34' is used in the first modification of the fifth embodiment. -
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the shape of the core body holder 34'. Aslit 34c' does not have the projectingportion 34d of thecore body holder 34 in the fifth embodiment shown inFIG. 12 . A bottom portion of theslit 34c' is formed so as to be deeper than a bottom portion of a press-fittingportion 34a, so that a bent portion of a thin and flexible part of apolyimide film 36 is housed within theslit 34c'. Thereby, as shown inFIG. 15 , the thin and flexible part of thepolyimide film 36 is in close contact with the side surface of a housing 38. - Incidentally, as shown in
FIG. 15 andFIG. 16 , in the first modification of the fifth embodiment, anuneven portion 34f is formed on the press-fittingportion 34a of the core body holder 34'. Anuneven portion 33d having a corresponding shape is formed in a part corresponding to theuneven portion 34f of the press-fittingportion 34a on a connectingend 33b side of apen core 33. The fitting of theuneven portion 34f and theuneven portion 33d to each other locks thepen core 33, and thus prevents thepen core 33 from being easily detached from the core body holder 34'. Incidentally, theuneven portion 33d is released from theuneven portion 34f by extracting thepen core 33 with a predetermined force. - In the foregoing fifth embodiment, one
electrode 18 is embedded as the third electrode in thetip 33a of thepen core 33. The applicant has proposed an invention that makes it possible to detect an inclination of an axial direction of a stylus pen and an angle of rotation with a direction perpendicular to a tablet surface as an axis in a position detecting device by providing a plurality of electrodes in a pen core. Details of a configuration and operation for detecting an inclination of an axial direction of a stylus pen and an angle of rotation with a direction perpendicular to a tablet surface as an axis are described in detail in a previous application (Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-176102 - This second modification of the fifth embodiment represents a case where a pen core provided with a plurality of electrodes is used as a pen core as in the previous application.
-
FIG. 17 is a diagram of assistance in explaining a configuration of apen core 330 in the second modification of the fifth embodiment.FIG. 17(A) is a perspective view of thepen core 330.FIG. 17(B) is a sectional view of thepen core 330 sectioned along A-A inFIG. 17(A). FIG. 17(C) is a diagram showing the shape of an end surface of a connectingend 330b of thepen core 330 which connecting end is on an opposite side from atip 330a of thepen core 330. - Specifically, as shown in
FIG. 17(A) , thepen core 330 in the present example has substantially a rod shape, and includes threeelectrodes FIG. 17 , the threeelectrodes tip 330a to the connectingend 330b. Parts of the threeelectrodes end 330b of thepen core 330 are formed so as to swell out to the outside as shown inFIG. 17(C) in order to be able to ensure connection of the parts to apolyimide film 360 to be described later. - The
polyimide film 360 according to the second modification of the fifth embodiment is formed as shown inFIG. 18(A) . Specifically, a circular-shaped part on one end side of thepolyimide film 360 is a connectingportion 360a for connection to the threeelectrodes pen core 330, and a rectangular part on another end side of thepolyimide film 360 is a thirdterminal portion 360b. Threeconductive patterns electrodes pen core 330 are formed on the connectingportion 360a on the one end side of thepolyimide film 360. In addition, threeterminals terminal portion 360b on the other end side of thepolyimide film 360. The threeconductive patterns portion 360a are electrically connected to the threeterminals terminal portion 360b bylinear patterns polyimide film 360. - The circular-shaped part of the connecting
portion 360a of thepolyimide film 360 is bonded to a bottom portion of a press-fittingportion 34a of a core body holder 34', and the thin and flexible part is fitted so as to extend to the outside of a housing 38 through aslit 34c' of the core body holder 34'. - The connecting
end 330b of thepen core 330 is press-fitted into the press-fittingportion 34a of the core body holder 34', whereby theelectrodes terminals terminal portion 360b. Thepolyimide film 360 is bonded and fixed to the periphery of the housing 38 to be described later by a wide part shown inFIG. 18(A) . - Incidentally, as shown in
FIG. 17(A) , on the connectingend 330b side of thepen core 330, anuneven portion 330c to be fitted to anuneven portion 34f at a time of insertion into the press-fittingportion 34b of the core body holder 34' is formed, and a projectingportion 330d for positioning thepen core 330 in a circumferential direction is formed. In this case, though not shown in the figures, a groove to be fitted to the projectingportion 330d is formed at a predetermined position in the circumferential direction of the press-fittingportion 34a of the core body holder 34'. The fitting of the projectingportion 330d into the groove uniquely determines the circumferential position of thepen core 330. Theelectrodes conductive patterns portion 360a of thepolyimide film 360 in predetermined relation. -
FIG. 18(B) is a diagram showing another example of a polyimide film used in the second modification of the fifth embodiment. Specifically, as shown inFIG. 18(B) , a connectingportion 360c, which is formed by a circular part, and on which threeelectrodes polyimide film 360A in the present example. Third terminal portions are separated into two parts, which are provided on both sides of the connectingportion 360c. - In the example of
FIG. 18 , a thirdterminal part 360d on which only a terminal 364A of three terminals of third terminal portions is formed is provided on the left side of the connectingportion 360c, and a thirdterminal part 360e on which aterminal 365A and a terminal 366A of the three terminals of the third terminal portions are formed is provided on the right side of the connectingportion 360c. Theconductive pattern 361A on the connectingportion 360c is electrically connected to the terminal 364A via alinear pattern 367A. Theconductive patterns portion 360c are electrically connected to theterminals linear patterns - In the case of using the
polyimide film 360A in the example shown inFIG. 18(B) , the third terminal portions are divided into the two thirdterminal parts terminal part 360d to the outside and a groove portion leading out the thirdterminal part 360e. - It is to be noted that while description has been made of a case where the second modification of the fifth embodiment shown in
FIG. 18 is applied to the first modification of the fifth embodiment, the second modification of the fifth embodiment shown inFIG. 18 can of course be applied to the fifth embodiment shown inFIG. 11 . -
FIG. 19 is a sectional view of a part of a position indicator (electronic pen) including a position indicating module according to a sixth embodiment. The same configurations as those of the position indicating module according to the foregoing fifth embodiment are identified by the same reference symbols. - Pen pressure detecting means according to the sixth embodiment is configured as a variable capacitance capacitor as in the fifth embodiment.
Reference numeral 11 denotes a dielectric substantially in the shape of a disk.Reference numeral 35 denotes a second electrode formed of a conductive elastic material.Reference numeral 37 denotes a coil spring formed of a conductive material. Thecoil spring 37 has asecond terminal 37b, and has a connectingportion 37c connected to thesecond electrode 35. -
Reference numeral 39 denotes a first electrode formed of a conductive metal. Thefirst electrode 39 is provided so as to be in pressure contact with a first surface of the dielectric 11. Afirst terminal 39a integral with thefirst electrode 39 is led out from thefirst electrode 39. - The second electrode is attached to a
core body holder 340 as in the foregoing fifth embodiment. Thesecond electrode 35 fixed to thecore body holder 340 is configured to be movable in an axial direction within a housing 38' according to a pen pressure applied to apen core 110 to be described later. - In addition,
FIG. 19 ,reference numeral 101 denotes a case formed of a cylindrical conductive material.Reference numeral 102 denotes a front cap, which is made of a conductor material formed in a tapered shape.Reference numeral 103 denotes a pen tip guarding member, which is formed of an insulative material. - A
board holder 104 is housed within a hollow portion of thecase 101. A printedboard 105 is attached to a printed board mountingbase portion 104a of theboard holder 104. In addition, a position indicating module is retained by amodule retaining portion 104b of theboard holder 104. Incidentally, a battery not shown in the figure is housed in thecase 101. - A configuration of the position indicating module according to the sixth embodiment will be described.
-
Reference numeral 110 denotes a pen core, which is formed of a conductive rod-shaped body such as a metal in the present example. Incidentally, thepen core 110 may also be formed of a conductive felt. In the sixth embodiment, thepen core 110 itself constitutes a third electrode. -
Reference numeral 111 denotes a core holder, which has a retainingportion 111 a retaining thepen core 110. A conductiveelastic member 112 formed of a conductive material having elasticity such for example as a conductive rubber is housed within the retainingportion 111 a. Thepen core 110 is fitted into the retainingportion 111a via the conductiveelastic member 112. Thepen core 110 can be extracted from thecore holder 111 by being pulled out with a predetermined force. - In the sixth embodiment, a core body portion is formed with the
pen core 110 fitted in thecore holder 111. Thecore holder 111 has a rod-shapedportion 111b fitted into thecore body holder 340 on an opposite side of thecore holder 111 from the retainingportion 111a retaining thepen core 110. The rod-shapedportion 111b constitutes a transmitting member that transmits an external force (pen pressure) applied to thepen core 110 to thesecond electrode 35 retained by thecore body holder 340. - A
fitting portion 340a into which the rod-shapedportion 111b is fitted is formed in thecore body holder 340. The rod-shapedportion 111b of thecore holder 111 is press-fitted into thefitting portion 340a. A swelling portion is formed in the vicinity of an end portion of the rod-shapedportion 111b. The swelling portion is engaged with thecore body holder 340. Thecore holder 111 is thereby prevented from falling off thecore body holder 340. - A
coil spring 113 formed of a conductive material such as a conductive metal is fitted to the rod-shapedportion 111b of thecore holder 111. Thecoil spring 113 always biases thecore holder 111 toward thepen core 110 with respect to theboard holder 104. - The housing 38' is provided with a
conductor terminal member 115 disposed so as to straddle the housing 38' and extend to the printedboard 105 side. Theconductor terminal member 115 and thecoil spring 113 formed of a conductive material constitute an electric connecting member. An electric connection to a circuit member for supplying a signal on the printedboard 105 is realized by the electric connecting member. - The
conductor terminal member 115 includes: an abuttingplate portion 115a that one end of thecoil spring 113 abuts against; and athird terminal 115b, which is formed by an extending portion connecting the abuttingplate portion 115a to a copper foil part connected to a signal supply terminal of the printedboard 105 such that the extending portion straddles the part of the pressure sensingpart retaining portion 104b of theboard holder 104. A signal from the signal supply terminal of the printedboard 105 is supplied to thepen core 110 via theconductor terminal member 115, thecoil spring 113, thecore holder 111, and the conductiveelastic member 112. - In the first to third embodiments described above, a variable capacitance capacitor is formed by the dielectric 11, the
first electrode 12, thesecond electrode spacer 14 each as an individual constituent part forming a pen pressure detecting unit. In addition, in the fourth to sixth embodiments, a variable capacitance capacitor is formed by the dielectric 11, thefirst electrode second electrode -
FIG. 20 shows an outline of a position indicating module according to the seventh embodiment.FIG. 21 is an exploded view of an internal configuration of the position indicating module according to the seventh embodiment, the position indicating module including apressure sensing unit 61, apen core 62, acore body holder 63, apolyimide film 64, and apressing portion 65. All of theseparts 61 to 65 are united within ahousing 66, and formed as the position indicating module. - The
pressure sensing unit 61 is formed by a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical System) sensor, which is an example of a capacitance type pressure sensing device as shown inFIG. 2 ofJapanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2013-156066 - This MEMS sensor, which is described in detail in
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2013-156066 - Incidentally, instead of being the MEMS sensor, the
pressure sensing unit 61 may be formed by such a unit as is obtained by modularizing a part (the dielectric 11, thefirst electrode 12, thesecond electrode 13, and the spacer 14) of the configuration of the position indicating module illustrated in the first embodiment, for example. - The
pen core 62 in the present example is formed of a nonconductor material, for example a resin, substantially in the shape of a rod. In the present example, only thepen core 62 constitutes a core body portion. Thepen core 62 has a third electrode in a tip not shown in the figure, and has a conductive connectingend 62b on an opposite side from the tip. In addition, thepen core 62 in the present example has a slightlyuneven portion 62c on the conductive connectingend 62b side. Thecore body holder 63 has a hole having a shape into which theuneven portion 62c of thepen core 62 is fitted precisely, and has a structure from which thepen core 62 is detachable. -
FIG. 22 is a developed view of thepolyimide film 64. A conductive pattern shown in black inFIG. 22 is formed on one surface of thepolyimide film 36 by etching or the like. As will be described later, aconductive pattern 64a to be connected to the conductive connectingend 62b of thepen core 62 is formed on a circular-shaped part on one end side of thepolyimide film 64, and a connecting terminal 64b is formed as a conductive pattern on a rectangular part on another end side of thepolyimide film 64. - Then, the
conductive pattern 64a side of thepolyimide film 64 is bonded to thecore body holder 63. Thus, when thepen core 62 is inserted into thecore body holder 63, the conductive connectingend 62b of thepen core 62 is electrically connected to theconductive pattern 64a on thepolyimide film 64. The electric connection to theconductive pattern 64a on thepolyimide film 64 may be ensured by attaching an elastic conductive material such as a conductive rubber to a contact portion of the conductive connectingend 62b of thepen core 62. - The
pressing portion 65 is bonded to a side of thepolyimide film 64 bonded to thecore body holder 63 on which side theconductor pattern 64a is not formed. Thepressing portion 65 in the present example is formed of a material having an elastic force such as a silicon rubber in a substantially conical shape. A tip of the substantially conical shape of thepressing portion 65 depresses a pressingforce application surface 61 a of theMEMS sensor 61. -
FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration in a case where the position indicating module according to the seventh embodiment is attached to a printedboard 67. Agroove 66a communicating with the inside of thehousing 66 is formed in a part of a peripheral side surface of an end portion of the tubular-shapedhousing 66 which end portion is on the printedboard 67 side. Thepolyimide film 64 is housed within thegroove 66a, and the connecting terminal 64b of thepolyimide film 64 is led out from thegroove 66a. - Formed on an end surface of the
housing 66 on the printedboard 67 side are a recessedportion 66b into which an end portion of the printedboard 67 is inserted and a pair ofprojections 66c (only one of the pair of projections is shown inFIG. 23 ) that sandwich the printedboard 67 therebetween in a thickness direction. As shown inFIG. 23 , the printedboard 67 is coupled to thehousing 66, and is for example bonded to thehousing 66. Then, the connecting terminal 64b of thepolyimide film 64 which connecting terminal is led out from thehousing 66 is for example soldered to the printedboard 67, and is thus connected to an electronic circuit provided on the printedboard 67. - In the seventh embodiment, when a pen pressure is applied to the
pen core 62, the pen pressure is transmitted to thepressing portion 65 via thecore body holder 63 to press the pressingforce application surface 61a of theMEMS sensor 61, and thus the capacitance of theMEMS sensor 61 exhibits a change according to the pen pressure. Hence, the pen pressure can be detected from the change in the capacitance of theMEMS sensor 61. -
FIG. 24 shows an example of an internal structure of an embodiment of a stylus pen according to the present invention. InFIG. 24 ,reference numeral 40 denotes the position indicating module according to the first embodiment shown inFIG. 1 . InFIG. 24 , the same configurations as those of the first position indicating module shown inFIG. 1 are identified by the same reference symbols. Specifically,reference numeral 15 denotes a first terminal,reference numeral 16 denotes a second terminal,reference numeral 17 denotes a pen core,reference numeral 18 denotes a third electrode, andreference symbol 19b denotes a third terminal. -
Reference numeral 41 denotes an electric double layer capacitor that stores power.Reference numeral 42 denotes a coil for charging the electricdouble layer capacitor 41 in a noncontact manner. Thecoil 42 is wound around a hollow cylindrical ferrite core, which is disposed such that thepen core 17 passes through the ferrite core.Reference numeral 43 denotes a printed board. -
FIG. 25 shows a circuit configuration of the stylus pen shown inFIG. 24 . InFIG. 25 , the same parts as inFIG. 24 are identified by the same reference symbols. Specifically,reference numeral 18 denotes a third electrode,reference numeral 41 denotes an electric double layer capacitor, andreference numeral 42 denotes a coil for charging the electricdouble layer capacitor 41 in a noncontact manner. -
Reference numeral 44 denotes a microprocessor.Reference numeral 45 denotes an oscillating circuit that generates a signal of a fixed frequency.Reference numeral 46 denotes a modulating circuit, which subjects the signal output from theoscillating circuit 45 to ASK (Amplitude Shift Keying) modulation on the basis of a control signal p from an output terminal P1 of themicroprocessor 44. A signal r modulated by the modulatingcircuit 46 is supplied to thethird electrode 18, and is sent out as a signal. In this case, the signal supply from the modulatingcircuit 46 to thethird electrode 18 is performed via theposition indicating module 40. -
Reference numeral 47 denotes a charging circuit for charging the electricdouble layer capacitor 41 by a voltage induced in thecoil 42. While thecoil 42 is disposed around thepen core 17 in the present embodiment, thecoil 42 may be disposed at a position different from that of thepen core 17. -
Reference numeral 48 denotes a voltage converting circuit, which generates a fixed voltage from a voltage stored in the electricdouble layer capacitor 41, and supplies the voltage as power for driving each circuit, that is, themicroprocessor 44, theoscillating circuit 45, and the modulatingcircuit 46. Description will be made supposing that the fixed power supply voltage is 1.5 V in the present embodiment. -
Reference numeral 40a denotes a variable capacitance capacitor formed by the dielectric 11, thefirst terminal 15, and thesecond terminal 16 of theposition indicating module 40. A resistance R is connected in parallel with thevariable capacitance capacitor 40a. One terminal of thevariable capacitance capacitor 40a is connected to an input-output terminal P2 of themicroprocessor 44. When the terminal P2 is in an output state, the terminal P2 outputs a high level, so that thevariable capacitance capacitor 40a is charged to 1.5 V. When the terminal P2 is in an input state, the terminal P2 is in a high-impedance state. Therefore, a charge stored in thevariable capacitance capacitor 40a is slowly discharged via the resistance R connected in parallel, and the voltage of the terminal P2 is gradually lowered. When the terminal P2 is in the input state, the terminal P2 operates as a comparator having a fixed threshold value Vth. Description will be made supposing that the threshold value in the present embodiment is half the power supply voltage, that is, 0.75 V. - Incidentally, in the present embodiment, the frequency of the signal generated by the
oscillating circuit 45 is set at about 1.5 MHz to 2.0 MHz. Thereby the signal can be detected by a tablet without a need for such a configuration that a casing not shown inFIG. 24 is electrically grounded and touched by a hand. -
FIG. 26 shows the operation of the present embodiment, and shows changes in the signals p, q, and r inFIG. 25 . Themicroprocessor 44 performs control such that the terminal P1 (signal p) maintains a high level for a certain period. The signal (r) is thereby emitted from thethird electrode 18 continuously during the certain period (see a continuous transmission period inFIG. 26 ). During this continuous transmission period, themicroprocessor 44 controls the terminal P2 to determine a pen pressure applied to theposition indicating module 40. - Specifically, the
microprocessor 44 charges thevariable capacitance capacitor 40a by setting the terminal P2 in an output state. Next, themicroprocessor 44 switches the terminal P2 to an input state. At this time, a charge stored in thevariable capacitance capacitor 40a is discharged by the resistance R connected in parallel with thevariable capacitance capacitor 40a, and therefore the voltage (q) of thevariable capacitance capacitor 40a is gradually lowered. A time Tp taken for the voltage q to be lowered to 0.75 V or lower after the terminal P2 is switched to the input state is obtained. This time Tp corresponds to the pen pressure to be obtained. In the present embodiment, the pen pressure is obtained as a value of 11 bits. - After an end of this continuous transmission period, the
microprocessor 44 performs ASK modulation by controlling the terminal P1 to a high level or a low level in predetermined cycles (Td). At this time, a high level is always set in the first cycle (start signal inFIG. 26 ). This is to enable subsequent data sending-out timing to be correctly determined on the tablet side. - The
microprocessor 44 sequentially transmits pen pressure data of 11 bits following the start signal. Then, themicroprocessor 44 controls the terminal P1 to a low level when transmission data is 0, and controls the terminal P1 to a high level when transmission data is 1.FIG. 26 shows a case where the pen pressure to be transmitted is "10101110101." In the present embodiment, the operation ofFIG. 26 is performed repeatedly. - Incidentally, the position indicating module according to the first embodiment (
FIG. 1 ) is used in the stylus pen according to the present embodiment. However, the position indicating modules according to the second to seventh embodiments may be used. In addition, configurations similar to the position indicating modules according to the first to seventh embodiments may be directly formed within the stylus pen. -
FIG. 27 represents an example of a configuration of a tablet used to detect the stylus pen according to the present invention. InFIG. 27 ,reference numeral 50 denotes the stylus pen shown inFIG. 24 andFIG. 25 , andreference numeral 51 denotes a tablet sensor having transparent glass as a base material. The front surface of thetablet sensor 51 is provided with an X-electrode group arranged in an X-direction, and the back surface of thetablet sensor 51 is provided with a Y-electrode group arranged in a Y-direction. The X-electrode group and the Y-electrode group are formed as transparent electrodes of ITO (Indium Tin Oxide; transparent conductive film). - In addition, the
tablet sensor 51 is disposed on a display device not shown in the figures, so that a display position on the display device can be directly input by thestylus pen 50.Reference numeral 52 denotes a selecting circuit that selects one electrode from among the X-electrode group and the Y-electrode group. In the present embodiment, description will be made supposing that there are 40 X-electrodes (X1 to X40) and there are 30 Y-electrodes (Y1 to Y30). The electrode selected by the selectingcircuit 52 is connected to an amplifyingcircuit 53. A signal from thestylus pen 50 is detected by the selected electrode, and amplified by the amplifyingcircuit 53. - The output of the amplifying
circuit 53 is supplied to a band-pass filter circuit 54 to extract only a component of a frequency transmitted from thestylus pen 50. The output signal of the band-pass filter circuit 54 is detected by a detectingcircuit 55. The output signal of the detectingcircuit 55 is supplied to a sample and holdcircuit 56 to be sampled and held in predetermined timing, and is thereafter converted into a digital value by an AD (Analog-to-Digital) convertingcircuit 57. This digital data is read and processed by amicroprocessor 58. - The
microprocessor 58 internally has a ROM (Read-Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory), and operates according to a program stored in the ROM to send out respective control signals to the sample and holdcircuit 56, theAD converting circuit 57, and the selectingcircuit 52. -
FIG. 28 shows an X-axis whole surface scanning operation for obtaining an approximate X-direction position of thestylus pen 50 on thetablet sensor 51. Themicroprocessor 58 sends out a control signal to select the electrode X1 to the selectingcircuit 52, and reads data output from theAD converting circuit 57 at the time of selecting the electrode X1 as a signal level. Themicroprocessor 58 similarly reads signal levels while sequentially changing the selection by the selectingcircuit 52 to the electrodes X2, X3, X4, .... At this time, when the signal levels detected by all of the electrodes X1 to X40 do not reach a predetermined value, it is determined that thestylus pen 50 is not on thetablet sensor 51, and the operation ofFIG. 28 is repeated. When a signal having a level equal to or more than the predetermined value is detected from one of the electrodes X1 to X40, themicroprocessor 58 stores the number of the X-electrode from which the highest signal level is detected (electrode X11 inFIG. 28 ). - When determining that the
stylus pen 50 is located around the electrode X11, themicroprocessor 58 performs an operation for transition to partial scanning as shown inFIG. 29 . This operation for transition to partial scanning is an operation for themicroprocessor 58 to synchronize timing thereof with the operation of thestylus pen 50 by detecting the time of a start of the period of continuous transmission from thestylus pen 50, and obtain an approximate position of thestylus pen 50 on the Y-axis, when thestylus pen 50 repeats the operation as shown inFIG. 26 . - In
FIG. 29 , themicroprocessor 58 sends out a control signal to select the electrode X11 determined in the above-described X-axis whole surface scanning operation to the selectingcircuit 52. At this time, a signal corresponding to the signal transmitted from thestylus pen 50 is induced in the electrode X11, and a voltage corresponding to the level of the signal is generated in the detectingcircuit 55. Themicroprocessor 58 reads the signal level by operating the sample and holdcircuit 56 and theAD converting circuit 57 in certain cycles. The cycles of operating the sample and holdcircuit 56 and theAD converting circuit 57 are each set to be a time sufficiently shorter than a cycle (Td) in which thestylus pen 50 makes transmission in a data transmission period. - When the signal level output by the
AD converting circuit 57 has continued to be equal to or more than the predetermined value for a fixed time (Ts), themicroprocessor 58 determines that the continuous transmission period of thestylus pen 50 is started. Themicroprocessor 58 then makes a transition to a Y-axis whole surface scanning operation (FIG. 29 ). This time (Ts) is set to be a time sufficiently longer than a cycle (Td) in which thestylus pen 50 makes transmission in a data transmission period. - The
microprocessor 58 controls the selectingcircuit 52 to sequentially select the electrodes Y1 to Y30, and reads the signal levels from theAD converting circuit 57. At this time, themicroprocessor 58 stores an electrode from which a highest signal level is detected. In the present embodiment, description will be made supposing that a highest signal level is detected from the electrode Y20. - After the selecting
circuit 52 selects the last electrode Y30, and the detection of the signal level is ended, themicroprocessor 58 performs an operation for waiting for an end of the period of continuous transmission from thestylus pen 50. Themicroprocessor 58 performs control so that the selectingcircuit 52 selects the electrode X11. At this time, when the transmission from thestylus pen 50 is continued, a signal having a level equal to or more than the above-described predetermined value is detected. A time at which the received signal level ceases to reach the predetermined value is the end time of the continuous transmission from thestylus pen 50. Thestylus pen 50 next starts a data transmission period. However, a precise position of thestylus pen 50 is not determined at this time. Thus, in this case, a transition is made to a partial scanning operation shown inFIG. 30 without data being read. - When the signal level output from the
AD converting circuit 57 has continued to be equal to or more than the predetermined value for a fixed time (Ts) in a state in which the electrode X11 is selected, themicroprocessor 58 determines that the continuous transmission period of thestylus pen 50 is started. Themicroprocessor 58 then makes a transition to a coordinate detecting operation (step 1 inFIG. 30 ). This time (Ts) is similar to that described with reference toFIG. 29 , and is set to be a time sufficiently longer than a cycle (Td) in which thestylus pen 50 makes transmission in a data transmission period. - In order to determine the X-coordinate of the signal from the
stylus pen 50, the selectingcircuit 52 sequentially selects five electrodes X9 to X13 with the electrode X11 at a center, and themicroprocessor 58 operates theAD converting circuit 57 to read the signal levels (step 1). At this time, the number of an electrode detecting a highest signal level (electrode X11 in this case) and the signal level VPX are stored, and the levels detected by the electrodes adjacent to the electrode detecting the highest signal level on both sides are stored as VAX and VBX (step 1). - Next, in order to determine the Y-coordinate of the signal from the
stylus pen 50, the selectingcircuit 52 sequentially selects five electrodes Y18 to Y22 with the electrode Y20 at a center, and themicroprocessor 58 reads the signal levels (step 1). At this time, the number of an electrode detecting a highest signal level (electrode Y20 in this case) and the signal level VPY are stored, and the levels detected by the electrodes adjacent to the electrode detecting the highest signal level on both sides are stored as VAY and VBY (step 1). The signal levels VPX, VAX, VBX, VPY, VAY, and VBY obtained here are used for calculation of coordinate values by calculation equations to be described later. - The
microprocessor 58 next performs an operation for waiting for an end of the period of continuous transmission from thestylus pen 50. Themicroprocessor 58 performs control so that the selectingcircuit 52 selects the electrode X11 from which a peak is detected in the above-described coordinate detecting operation. In this case, a time at which the received signal level ceases to reach the predetermined value is the end time of the continuous transmission from the stylus pen 50 (step 1). - After detecting an end of the continuous transmission from the
stylus pen 50, themicroprocessor 58 starts an operation of detecting timing of a start signal transmitted prior to pen pressure data (step 2). Themicroprocessor 58 performs control to repeatedly start the sample and holdcircuit 56 and theAD converting circuit 57 in a state in which the electrode X11 is selected. Themicroprocessor 58 stores, as t1, a time at which the signal level becomes equal to or more than the above-described predetermined value. Themicroprocessor 58 starts an operation of receiving data from the stylus pen at a time after a wait for a fixed time Tw from time t1 (step 2). This time Tw is assumed to be taken for the signal level received by the tablet to become substantially zero after an end of transmission of the start signal from thestylus pen 50, and is set to be a time determined in advance. - The
microprocessor 58 starts a timer not shown in the figures at the same time that the above-described waiting time reaches Tw. This timer repeatedly counts a value coinciding with the above-described time Td (cycle of data transmission from the stylus pen) from zero (step 2). During the operating period of one cycle of the timer, themicroprocessor 58 repeatedly starts the sample and holdcircuit 56 and theAD converting circuit 57 to read the signal level. When the signal level during this period has not even once reached the above-described predetermined value, it is determined that there is no transmission from thestylus pen 50, and data in that cycle is stored as "0." When the signal level equal to or more than the predetermined value is detected during that period, it is determined that there is a transmission from the stylus pen, and data in that cycle is stored as "1" (step 2). - The counting of the above-described timer is performed 11 times, and thus data of 11 bits is stored. This data of 11 bits corresponds to the data of 11 bits shown in
FIG. 26 , and is a result of detection of a pen pressure applied to theposition indicating module 40 of thestylus pen 50.FIG. 30 represents a case where the pen pressure data is "10101110101." - Incidentally, in
step 2, the data reception is performed while the electrode (X11) from which the maximum level is detected is selected from among the X-axis electrodes. However, this reception may be performed while the electrode (Y20) from which the maximum level is detected is selected from among the Y-axis electrodes. - After the reception of the data of 11 bits is ended in
step 2, a transition is made to the operation of detecting a start of a period of continuous transmission from the stylus pen (step 1), and themicroprocessor 58 repeatedly performs the operation ofFIG. 29 . - The coordinate position (X, Y) of the
stylus pen 50 is obtained by the following equation from the reception levels obtained in the above-describedstep 1. - According to the position indicating modules according to the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention, the part acting to return the
pen core 17 when a pen pressure disappears and the connecting portion for connection to thethird electrode 18 are an identical structure (a coil spring or a polyimide film). Thus, the connecting portion for connection to thethird electrode 18 does not affect pen pressure detection. It is therefore possible to realize an electrostatic stylus pen capable of accurately detecting a change in a pen pressure applied by a light touch. - According to the position indicating module according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the connection line (
flexible part 36c of the polyimide film 36) for connection to the electrode in the pen core is in a direction at a right angle to the direction of displacement of thepen core 33. Thus, the connection line does not affect pen pressure detection. It is therefore possible to realize an electrostatic stylus pen capable of accurately detecting a change in a pen pressure applied by a light touch. -
- 11
- Dielectric
- 12
- First electrode
- 13, 30, 35
- Second electrode
- 14
- Spacer
- 15
- First terminal
- 16
- Second terminal
- 17, 33
- Pen core
- 18
- Third electrode
- 19,23,37
- Coil spring
- 20, 31, 34, 340
- Core body holder
- 21,27
- Pressing body
- 22, 25, 28, 32, 38
- Housing
- 24, 26, 29, 36
- Polyimide film
- 40
- Position indicating module
- 41
- Electric double layer capacitor
- 42
- Coil
- 43
- Printed board
- 44,58
- Microprocessor
- 45
- Oscillating circuit
- 46
- Modulating circuit
- 47
- Charging circuit
- 48
- Voltage converting circuit
- 50
- Stylus pen
- 51
- Tablet sensor
- 52
- Selecting circuit
- 53
- Amplifying circuit
- 54
- Band-pass filter circuit
- 55
- Detecting circuit
- 56
- Sample and hold circuit
- 57
- AD converting circuit
- 111
- Core holder
Claims (20)
- A position indicating module for an electrostatic stylus pen, the position indicating module comprising:a dielectric having a first surface and a second surface opposed to the first surface;a first electrode disposed on the first surface of the dielectric;a second electrode disposed so as to face the second surface of the dielectric, an area of contact of the second electrode with the second surface being changed by an external force;a core body portion having a third electrode at least in a tip portion, and transmitting the external force to the second electrode;a first terminal portion electrically connected to the first electrode;a second terminal portion electrically connected to the second electrode;a third terminal portion electrically connected to the third electrode; anda fitting portion electrically connecting the third electrode and the third terminal portion to each other by bringing the core body portion into contact with the third terminal portion while biasing the core body portion;a signal being transmitted from the third electrode of the core body portion.
- The position indicating module according to claim 1, wherein
at least a part of the third terminal portion is formed of a flexible material. - The position indicating module according to claim 1, wherein
the second electrode is formed of a material having flexibility, and means formed of an elastic member having conductivity is provided for separating the second surface of the dielectric and the second electrode from each other by a small interval when the external force disappears. - The position indicating module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein
the core body portion is formed in a rod shape, has the third electrode in the tip portion, and includes a conductive portion at another end on an opposite side from the tip portion, the conductive portion being electrically connected to the third electrode,
a core body holder having the fitting portion into which to detachably fit the other end of the core body portion is provided, and
the conductive portion and the third terminal are connected to each other by fitting the core body portion into the core body holder. - The position indicating module according to claim 4, wherein
an electric connection between the core body holder and the third terminal is made via a conductive spring. - The position indicating module according to claim 4, wherein
the second electrode formed of an elastic member having conductivity and the core body holder are laminated to both surfaces of a flexible circuit board having flexibility. - The position indicating module according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein
a conductive portion electrically connected to the third electrode is provided to another end of the core body portion on an opposite side from the tip portion, and
the conductive portion and the third terminal are connected to each other by a flexible electric wire electrically connected to the other end of the core body portion and extending in a direction perpendicular to an axis of the core body portion. - The position indicating module according to claim 7, wherein
the third electrode includes a plurality of electrodes, and the plurality of third electrodes are each connected electrically to three flexible electric wires corresponding to the respective plurality of third electrodes at the conductive portion at the other end of the core body portion. - The position indicating module according to claim 1, wherein
a semiconductor device configured to have two electrodes opposed to each other with an air layer interposed between the two electrodes, one of the two electrodes being bent by the external force, is used in place of the dielectric, the first electrode, and the second electrode. - The position indicating module according to claim 1, wherein
the core body portion includes a core formed in a rod shape by a conductive member and constituting the third electrode, and a core holder formed of a conductive material and holding the core,
the core holder has a transmitting portion transmitting the external force to the second electrode, and
the core body holder has a fitting portion into which the core holder is fitted to electrically connect the third electrode and the third terminal portion to each other. - An electrostatic stylus pen comprising:a casing;a dielectric having a first surface and a second surface opposed to the first surface;a first electrode disposed on the first surface of the dielectric;a second electrode disposed so as to face the second surface of the dielectric, an area of contact of the second electrode with the second surface being changed by an external force;a core body portion disposed so as to have one end projecting outside the casing, the core body portion constituting the third electrode and transmitting the external force to the second electrode;a first terminal portion electrically connected to the first electrode;a second terminal portion electrically connected to the second electrode;a third terminal portion electrically connected to the third electrode;a fixing portion electrically connecting the third electrode and the third terminal portion to each other by bringing the core body portion into contact with the third terminal portion while biasing the core body portion;a pen pressure detection circuit configured to convert, through the first terminal portion and the second terminal portion, the external force applied to the core body portion into a change in capacitance of a variable capacitance capacitor formed by the first electrode and the second electrode with the dielectric interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and detect the capacitance change as a pen pressure; anda signal generating circuit configured to generate a transmission signal to be supplied to the third electrode and transmitted;the third terminal portion having a flexible connecting member that electrically connects the signal generating circuit to the third electrode;the signal being transmitted from the core body portion formed by the third electrode.
- The stylus pen according to claim 11, wherein
the second electrode is formed of a material having flexibility, and means formed of an elastic member having conductivity is provided for separating the second electrode and the second surface of the dielectric from each other by a small interval when the external force disappears. - The stylus pen according to claim 11 or 12, wherein
the core body portion is formed in a rod shape, the third electrode is disposed in a tip portion of the core body portion, and the core body portion includes a conductive portion at another end on an opposite side, the conductive portion being electrically connected to the third electrode,
a core body holder having the fitting portion into which to detachably fit the other end of the core body portion is provided, and
the conductive portion and the third terminal are connected to each other by fitting the core body portion into the core body holder. - The stylus pen according to claim 13, wherein
a conductive spring press-fitted to the core body holder is provided, and the transmission signal is supplied via the conductive spring. - The stylus pen according to claim 13, wherein
the second electrode formed of an elastic member having conductivity and the core body holder are laminated to both surfaces of a flexible circuit board having flexibility. - The stylus pen according to claim 11 or 12, wherein
a conductive portion electrically connected to the third electrode is provided to another end of the core body portion, and
the transmission signal is supplied by a flexible electric wire electrically connected to the other end of the core body portion and extending in a direction perpendicular to an axis of the core body portion. - The stylus pen according to claim 16, wherein
the third electrode includes a plurality of electrodes, and the plurality of third electrodes are each connected electrically to three flexible electric wires corresponding to the respective plurality of third electrodes at the conductive portion at the other end of the core body portion. - The stylus pen according to claim 11, wherein
a semiconductor device configured to have two electrodes opposed to each other with an air layer interposed between the two electrodes, one of the two electrodes being bent by the external force, is used in place of the dielectric, the first electrode, and the second electrode. - The stylus pen according to claim 11, wherein
the core body portion includes a core formed in a rod shape by a conductive member and constituting the third electrode, and a core holder formed of a conductive material and holding the core,
the core holder has a transmitting portion transmitting the external force to the second electrode, and
the core body holder has a fitting portion into which the core holder is fitted to electrically connect the third electrode and the third terminal portion to each other. - The stylus pen according to claim 19, wherein
the third terminal is a conductive coil spring.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2013266230 | 2013-12-25 | ||
PCT/JP2014/082475 WO2015098486A1 (en) | 2013-12-25 | 2014-12-09 | Position indicating module and stylus pen |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3091423A1 true EP3091423A1 (en) | 2016-11-09 |
EP3091423A4 EP3091423A4 (en) | 2017-08-16 |
EP3091423B1 EP3091423B1 (en) | 2018-09-19 |
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP14875310.6A Active EP3091423B1 (en) | 2013-12-25 | 2014-12-09 | Position indicating module and stylus pen |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
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US (2) | US10331243B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3091423B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP5761773B1 (en) |
KR (1) | KR102293319B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN105829997B (en) |
WO (1) | WO2015098486A1 (en) |
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KR20160092360A (en) * | 2015-01-27 | 2016-08-04 | 삼성전자주식회사 | Stylus pen and touch penel |
CN107683450B (en) * | 2015-07-10 | 2021-05-04 | 株式会社和冠 | Position indicator |
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-
2014
- 2014-12-09 KR KR1020167015136A patent/KR102293319B1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2014-12-09 JP JP2015516295A patent/JP5761773B1/en active Active
- 2014-12-09 EP EP14875310.6A patent/EP3091423B1/en active Active
- 2014-12-09 WO PCT/JP2014/082475 patent/WO2015098486A1/en active Application Filing
- 2014-12-09 CN CN201480068208.5A patent/CN105829997B/en active Active
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2016
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KR20160102170A (en) | 2016-08-29 |
EP3091423A4 (en) | 2017-08-16 |
WO2015098486A1 (en) | 2015-07-02 |
US20190243473A1 (en) | 2019-08-08 |
US10379642B1 (en) | 2019-08-13 |
CN105829997B (en) | 2019-05-17 |
JPWO2015098486A1 (en) | 2017-03-23 |
JP5761773B1 (en) | 2015-08-12 |
KR102293319B1 (en) | 2021-08-25 |
EP3091423B1 (en) | 2018-09-19 |
US10331243B2 (en) | 2019-06-25 |
CN105829997A (en) | 2016-08-03 |
US20160313812A1 (en) | 2016-10-27 |
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